As a Singer
The Met • La Scala • Covent Garden • Vienna • Paris • Berlin Rome • Florence • Madrid • Barcelona • Seoul • Beijing • Chicago • LA • San Francisco • Washington • Cincinnati • San Diego •Pittsburgh • Carnegie Hall • The Hollywood Bowl...
These are just some of the major stages of the world on which American tenor Richard Leech has made his home. In a performance career spanning nearly four decades, he is celebrated for his iconic interpretations of the lyric roles of the French, Italian, and German repertoire. Throughout his career he has performed and recorded with many of the world’s greatest singers and conductors. He can be found on more than twenty full opera and symphony recordings as well as his solo album, from the heart on the Telarc label. Please visit his recordings page for more information.
Mr. Leech is now teaching and directing at George Mason University as Associate Professor of Voice and Opera and as a guest with other universities and opera companies.
As a Teacher
Assoc. Professor of Voice & Opera
George Mason University
Sid and Reva Dewberry Family School of Music
In the fall of 2023 Richard Leech joined the faculty of George Mason University’s Reva and Sid Dewberry School of Music in Fairfax, VA as Associate Professor of Voice and Opera and Stage Director of Mason Opera Theater. He has also proudly served on the faculties of Rutgers University and The University of Michigan.
As the 2001 recipient of The Voice Foundation’s Voice Education, Research and Awareness (VERA) Award, a long-standing member Opera America’s Performer Development Network, and a frequent presenter of master classes, young artist training and education has always been an integral part of Richard Leech’s career. He is excited at the opportunities provided by his appointment with GMU provides.
The cast of Ricky Ian Gordon's "27"
Harris Theater, 2025
Richard Leech Studio
Richard Leech is currently accepting students for his private studio in the Fairfax, VA/Washington DC area. Please do not hesitate to reach out for Voice technique, role coaching, and preparation for auditions, competitions and performances in the Fairfax, VA Washington, DC area.
Please find more information on the contact page.
From his essay “on teaching”
“…I believe that we can only achieve that which we first allow ourselves to dream. As teachers we are given the honor of helping shape those dreams, but it is our real job to faithfully provide the tools with which each student might ultimately find success and see thhem realized.”
Masterclasses
Richard Leech presents masterclasses for students and emerging artists with universities and opera companies around the world. He is always available and excited to bring his ideas of artistry to the next generation of singing artists.
Among the companies and organizations with whom he has presented master classes are:
- Kennedy Center AAMS Young Artist Program 2025
- National Association of Teachers of Singing
- Michigan Opera Theatre Studio
- Phoenicia Festival of the Voice
- Cincinnati Opera Young Artists
- Prelude to Performance Program
- Tri-Cities Opera Resident Artist Training Program
- Binghamton University
- University of Utah
- Opera Lyra Ottawa Young Artists Program
- University of Southern California
- Beijing National Conservatory of Music
- New York Singing Teachers’ Association
Guest Presentor - "The Balanced Voice"
New York Singing Teachers’ Association, 2014
Professional Development Series on Comparative Pedagogy
Opera America National Opera Center
As a Director
As Stage Director of George Mason University’s Mason Opera, Richard Leech directs scene shows and a one-act opera in the fall, and a full-length opera production in the spring. Since his start in 2023, he has directed “The Classical Style (an opera, of sorts)”, by Steven Stucky and Jeremy Denk in a double bill with Mozart’s The Impresario; The first college production of Ricky Ian Gordon’s “27”; “Trial by Jury” along with various Gilbert and Sullivan scenes, and fully staged, extended scenes from the Mozart /Da Ponte operas, “Così fan tutte”, “Don Giovanni”, and “Le nozze di Figaro.”
"27" Gertrude and Alice in WWI
