Ian Massa-Harris McFeely (né Massa-Harris) is a distinguished character dramatic tenor, acting-through-song specialist, and dedicated educator in opera and musical theatre. Trained at prestigious institutions such as Royal Holloway, the Royal College of Music, ENO Works – The Knack, Morley College, and Birkbeck College, University of London, Ian transitioned from baritone to tenor in 2009 under Arwel Treharne Morgan’s guidance, following initial studies with Pamela Bowden, Mary King, and Colin Baldy.
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As an opera singer, Ian has performed at renowned venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, London Coliseum, Cadogan Hall, and Opera Holland Park. His diverse repertoire as a character dramatic tenor includes roles like Spoletta in Tosca, Jaquino in Fidelio, Il Primo Giudice in Ballo in maschera, Venditore in I gioielli della Madonna, Nick in La Fanciulla del West, Mime in Wagner's Das Rheingold and Siegfried, the Witch in Hansel and Gretel, and the Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas. He has also appeared in The Marriage of Figaro, Gianni Schicchi, and La Traviata, and is an experienced opera chorister, having sung in over 100 operas in both chorus and featured roles.
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Ian’s musical theatre credits highlight his versatility and depth, with recent roles like Gavin in Charmed the Musical (Radio Musical) by Kevin Gadz, with music by Aaron Robertson, inspired by the Charmed TV series. His memorable performances include Piangi in Phantom of the Opera, Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid, Clopin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Pirelli in Sweeney Todd.
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His career includes work with prominent opera companies like English National Opera (ENO), Opera North, Opera Rara, and Opera Holland Park. As a concert soloist, he has performed oratorio roles in Carmina Burana, Mozart's Coronation Mass and Mass in C Minor, Fauré's Requiem, and Haydn's Creation. Ian has also created roles in new works, such as the Operatic Tenor in Benjamin Till’s Pepys Motet, featured on BBC Radio 3, and Rev Joshua Grippe in Richard Chew and Rufus Norris's On Thee We Feed at ENO.
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Ian has performed in notable venues in the UK and internationally, including The Charing Cross Theatre, The Lyric Theatre, The Bloomsbury Theatre, The Apollo Theatre, The Round House, Tower of London, Kensington Roof Gardens, and Cafe De Paris. Internationally, he has appeared at Il Duomo in Florence, St. Paul’s in Rome, St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, and Beethoven-House in Bonn, Germany.
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In opera, musical theatre, and film, Ian has collaborated with esteemed directors, including Anneliese Miskimmon, Cecilia Stinton, Christopher McQuarrie, Deborah Warner, John Savournin, John Wilkie, Martin Duncan, Martin Lloyd-Evans, Olivia Fuchs, Rodula Gaitanou, Rufus Norris, Rupert Goold, Simon Callow, Stephen Barlow, and Woody Allen. He has also worked with distinguished conductors like Brad Cohen, Francesco Cilluffo, Jane Glover, John Andrews, Lada Valešová, Lee Reynolds, Manlio Benzi, Matthew Kofi Waldren, Nicoletta Conti, Peter Robinson, Richard Bonynge, Sir Colin Davis, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Sir Mark Elder, Sir Simon Rattle, Sonia Santamaria, Stephen Higgins, and Stuart Stratford.
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In film and television, Ian has performed as the Turandot Chorus Tenor in Mission Impossible 5 and in the ensemble for Jonathan Dove’s TV opera Death of a Princess. His recordings include Le Willis under Sir Mark Elder, Tosca for Philharmonia Britannica, Idomeneo, Fidelio, and Fanciulla Del West for Midsummer Opera, along with collaborations with pop artists like Candy Rose, Doryan, and Chasing Deer.
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A respected educator, Ian specializes in acting-through-song, vocal tutoring, and lecturing. Recently appointed Programme Leader for the new MA in Musical Theatre (written and designed by the acclaimed Meredith Braun) at the University of Chichester Conservatoire, launching in 2025, Ian plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of performers. After a rewarding tenure at Brunel University of London, where he collaborated with Sally Goodworth, Ian transitioned to the University of Chichester Conservatoire. Here, he is an integral part of the teaching staff, guiding students through various degree programs with his extensive expertise.
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Ian is an active member of professional organizations, including the British Voice Association, The Association of Teachers of Singing, Musicians' Union, Equity, and BAFTA Connect. His work bridges the worlds of opera and musical theatre, bringing his unique experience to both genres.