Richard Bonsall Sings

Richard Bonsall (Boy Soprano)

Born: 1955 - New Zealand

New Zealander boy soprano, Richard Bonsall, began his training as a soloist with the New Zealand Boys Choir and continued with the Belmont Singers of Auckland. He won the Junior Vocal Championships at the Auckland Competitions three times and in 1969 also won the Children's Vocal Championships at the North Shore Competitions. In 1970 he won the North Shore Mardi Gras Junior Talent Quest. Radio broadcasts and two appearances on television's On Camera added to his experience, culminating in his success on Chris Bourn's national television programme, Studio One: 1970.

For his years, Richard Bonsall has also had considerable stage experience, having taken the lead roled in a number of productions: Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Emporer and his Nightengale, The Bride of Seville (adapted from Rossini's Barber), Pinocchio and the Children's Crusade. His interest in music is very wide in scope and will be perpetuated beyond his soprano years in his playing of piano, oboe and clarinet.

Richard Bonsall gained a BA in Japanese Language and Music while at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. In 1977 he was awarded a diploma in Japanese Language and Literature by the Osaka University of Foreign Studies and in 1979 an MA in Japanese Language and Ethnomusicology by the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts. Since that time, he has had a wealth of experience in senior business management and now lives in New York with his wife and two sons.