"There are so many young singers entering the market and they are willing to accept much lower fees."
For the tenor Tom Randle, the problem is quite different as he tries to fit all of the demands into a hectic schedule that this month finds him i
n Buxton for the title role in Handel's Samson, a part that he recorded a number of years ago.
Having decided on a dual career as a conductor and composer, it was winning a singing scholarship that brought about a massive change in direction, the critical response to his debut in the English National Opera's production of Mozart's The Magic Flute taking him on to the international circuit.
Among many landmarks in his career, his role of Essex in Phyllida Lloyd's production of Britten's Gloriana for Opera North led to his debut in London's Royal Opera House and the high-profile TV film of his performance at the Leeds Grand Theatre.
He has become a champion of modern music, though is still equally at home in the music of the 18th century.
For this new production he takes part in a newly staged adaptation of a work that Handel described as a dramatic oratorio based on the Biblical story of Samson.
Later in the festival Randle returns to composing, with some new songs sung by the Canadian soprano, Gillian Keith. The pieces share in a programme of American song with works by Copland, Bernstein, Barber and Gershwin which Randle and Keith perform (Jul 20).
Handel's Samson, Buxton Opera House, Jul 11, 16, 19, 22 & 27, 0845 1272190.
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