Robert Tear

Robert Tear was a Welsh tenor born in Barry, Glamorgan, in 1939. He studied at King’s College, Cambridge, and began his professional career with the English Opera Group in the 1960s. Tear became known for his work in opera, oratorio, and recital, performing with major companies including the Royal Opera House and English National Opera. He created roles in contemporary operas by composers such as Benjamin Britten and Harrison Birtwistle. His repertoire spanned Baroque to modern works, and he recorded extensively for EMI and other labels. Tear was also active as a teacher and held positions at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. He died in 2011.