Richard Hartley has a love for singing…
Richard is a “baritenor” who also loves acting, dancing, and playing the piano as they relate to musical
performances. He views singing and acting as a personal experience for himself and each member of his audience. As he recently stated: “I am experiencing a moment of life with each song, scene, or monologue, and my goal is to bring to life that moment as it relates to the work as a whole. As I sing or play a scene, I create a connection between myself and that which is truthful, and hope that that connection will leave them with a better understanding of the humanity that is theatre.” Richard has enthusiasm, magnetism, and charisma that makes him attractive to audiences of all ages, “children to seniors,” and enjoys theatre and music that bridges the various age groups, from musical theatre to opera.
Recent Appearances and Successes
Currently Richard is appearing for the Summer Theater of New Canaan, CT at the Rich Forum in Stamford, where he is playing an energetic Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man, July 17th-27th, 203-966-4634, www.stonc.org. He is excited to be working with Artistic Director Melody Libonati again, after working with her in The Sound of Music and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. “What a wonderful show this is, the setting, the music, the story, and what a great privilege to be playing Harold Hill,” says Richard. “Professor Hill is a man who has incredible gifts but has only explored those gifts as they help him cheat others for financial gain. Marian Paroo changes all that when she accepts and loves him unconditionally, waking him up to his ability to spread joy and happiness without deceit, as well as bringing out his capacity for love. It is so much more than a love story, it is a story of redemption. I once knew a director who told me that this whole show was objectionable from a moral standpoint. But this person I feel did not look deeply enough at what is written in the script itself, perhaps making a judgement based instead on the way a certain production chose to interpret it.” Ms. Libonati, artistic director, director, and Broadway actress, has assembled a wonderful cast of 49 to bring this musical to life in a vibrant and fast-paced production.
This spring Richard was one of three soloists selected to sing with Maestro Norman Leyden on an Oregon Symphony Pops concert, April 19 –21, in Portland, OR, at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and in Salem, OR, on April 22, 2008. He sang nine solos/duets ranging from Jerome Kern to Irving Berlin, Cole Porter to Rudolf Friml, and the show was a great hit. Norman Leyden is a true concert master. He has arranged for Glenn Miller, RCA Victor, conducted on early television, and was the Associate Conductor of the Oregon Symphony for 29 seasons. Norman Leyden told Richard after this most recent performance, “Lets do it again. The four of us can do anything.” The Oregon Symphony is happy to announce a return engagement for the same performers for May 25 -26th, 2009, when Richard, Susannah Mars and Renee Cleland will sing more selections from Norman’s library of over 1200 symphonic arrangements .
More about Richard’s professional career
This past season, 2007-2008, has been a productive one. Fresh from the solo performance with the Oregon Symphony at the end of April, Richard is grateful to be doing all the things he loves, including symphonic work, acting, dancing, and learning new music. This season he has performed Kurt Weill’s Kiddush for the Hudson Valley Chorale in West Nyack, New York, was featured soloist with the Pro Arte Singers in concert and on CD, in Connecticut, as featured soloist in Henry Purcell’s Bell Anthem, as well as several performances of the song “Out There” from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, at various occasions. And, of course, learning all of the songs for The Music Man. “The Kiddush is a gorgeous piece of music, a real treat to sing, and in a high baritone range that allows for a high peak of
emtional impact” says Richard. “The song from Hunchback, ‘Out There’ tells so much about Quasimodo in a four minute song. It is a great example of character development in an aria-like piece, the blossoming of a soul through dreaming of freedom yet to come. A true pleasure to sing.”
Musical theater appearances have included Showboat, Guys and, Dolls, Funny Girl, The Sound of Music,
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The Fantasticks, The Boys from Syracuse, The Mikado, and many others. Richard has played both leading and supporting roles, both which have their distinct advantages. “The lead roles not only have the most substantial musical and acting challenges, they also often include romantic
scenes, or scenes where the sparks are flying” Richard notes. “The supporting characters, however, allow for the opportunity to find a quirkiness or eccentric quality that explore another facet of myelf.” Ravenal from Showboat was one of Richard’s favorite leading roles, not just for the music through which the character expresses himself, but the emotional highs and lows that he experiences, torn between his love for Magnolia and his addiction to high-stakes gambling. “Uncle Max” Dettweiler was definitely a favorite supporting role, very black and white regarding money and very gray regarding the Nazi occupation of Austria, diametrically opposed to the views of Captain von Trapp.
Vocal Training has been important
Vocal training has been very important to Richard, who has sung with opera companies as both soloist and chorus member. His professional opera roles include Sonora in La Fanciulla del West, Fléville in Andrea Chenier, Count Dobigny in La Traviata, Perückenmacher in Ariadne auf Naxos, Benvolio in Romeo et Juliette, Second Armored Man in Die Zauberflöte with the great bass Jerome Hines, and Notario in Don Pasquale with coloratura soprano Ruth Ann Swenson. Because of this training, his musical theatre interests run to the Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jerome Kern musicals and others of this type that utilize and emphasize the voice as the primary means for dramatic expression. Richard feels that “Music reaches more deeply into our soul and communicates with out intellect AND our emotions, which gives me deep satisfaction, and I hope the audience as well.”
A Special Treat
One of Richard’s great pleasures this year was meeting and beginning work with David Friedman, composer, conductor, pianist, and mentor. His work is thrilling and he has developed a great deal from working with him. It is Richard’s hope to begin work on some of David’s songs this summer, once The Music Man has finished. “David’s songs are full of every emotion, every subject, and are really written for singers to act. I love them.”
How Did All This Start?
Richard began acting in high school. His first experience was a member of the chorus of Hello Dolly, then playing Banquo in Ionesco’s Macbett. His aspirations were for singing as well as acting, and he then pursued and earned three musical degrees, culminating in a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Arizona. His degree work included recitals in singing and solo piano, as well as a lecture recital on Jean-Blaise Martin, the famous Parisian Opera-Comique baritone. Here in New York he studied dance at Luigi’s Dance studio. He has taught students of all ages from elementary through adult, and as a university voice instructor, classroom teacher, and opera scenes director. He finds this work both challenging and stimulating. When asked about his preferences regarding the three different teaching areas, Richard felt that all three touch on a part of his interests. Early in his career he found he had a knack for learning songs, and a curiosity for learning about the composers. He is now a “fountain of information” on the history of many of these songs, reminiscent of Michael Feinstein, whom he admires deeply. “The classroom work allows the revisiting of what I have learned previously in my training, allowing my understanding and appreciation of various periods of music to deepen with each new class, and bringing that appreciation and enthusiasm to a room full of students. The voice lessons are always a work in progress, utilizing tools for all the various elements of singing and then fitting each element to the person as they need it. The one-on-one teaching is energizing and exciting,
working with each student at their own pace. Opera scenes directing allows me to utilize my dramatic training and instincts to bring additional appreciation of this art form to another generation of singers by their performance of the music as drama. It allows them to bring their emotions of the music to the surface, in each singers’ unique face, body, and voice, and send that out into the world. Very exciting and motivating work!” Richard states.
Professional Organizations and Associations
Richard has been active in many musical and acting organizations. He is a member of Actors Equity Association (AEA) and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). He is currently serving as the President of the Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). He teaches both individual and group voice lessons, adjudicates vocal competitions, and is sought after for master classes in both singing and acting through singing. He is a part-time instructor at Western Connecticut State University and the New Canaan Performing Arts Conservatory, as well as Artist-in-Residence at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Fairfield, CT. He has previously taught voice and classes at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, University of Arizona, Tucson, and Portland State University, University of Portland, and Oregon State University in Oregon.
Songs for Your Pleasure
The following songs are in style categories that show the variety of music Richard loves to sing.
Musical Theater The Music Man Romantic Ballads Frank Sinatra Songbook Viennese Operettta Classical Opera |
Weddings - Your Choice Christmas Music Kids Songs and Entertainment Comedy - Gilbert & Sullivan Celebrations and Holidays Sacred Songs and Church Requests |
Special Productions and Leading Roles
Among the roles sung in productions while a graduate and doctoral student at the University of Arizona were Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni, Pacquilo in La Perichole, Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia,Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro, Mr. Gobineau in The Medium, Schaunard in La Bohème, Guglielmo in Cosi fan tutte, Danilo in The Merry Widow, and Nerone in L’Incoronazione di Poppea,. Also while a student at the University of Arizona, Richard was honored to be presented on the President’s Concert with full orchestra, singing the aria “Mein Sehnen, Mein Wähnen,” from Korngold’s Die Tote Stadt. He was also First Place Winner for both the Arizona NATS Master’s Division and Doctoral Division categories. “At the University of Arizona I had the pleasure of working with Faye Robinson, a remarkable singer and teacher with an international career. I was also given the opportunity to teach the Opera Workshop classes at the university for three years, earning a minor in opera directing with a presentation of the opera Signor Deluso, by Pasatieri.” His training has continued after graduation with Jana Pivacek and Jean Westerman Gregg in voice, Peter Flint in acting, and Luigi’s in dance.
Things People Say.....
Marilyn Fox of Easton, CT is a long time fan of The Music Man and says:
“Our family loves this show more than any other. We have probably seen over two dozen productions, both amateur and professional, and Richard Hartley’s performance of Professor Harold Hill has to be the most charismatic, delightful, and giving it the most emotional connection to the role we have ever seen. I was moved by his performance, and we will watch it every chance we get.” July 2008
Susan Granger, well known theater and film Syndicated columnist states:
“What Richard brings to the stage is an engaging personality combined with a pure, seemingly effortless quality to his singing that makes him a true pleasure to listen to. His rich and robust voice allows him to focus on the lyrics and get to heart of the song, without having to sacrifice musicality for interpretative acumen.” April 2008
STONC Producer Eddie Libonati says:
“Richard Hartley is the HEART of our Music Man. Usually you have an actor who can sing, but he is a singer who can act and dance - a great talent. He brings a fullness in his voice, and is marvelous in The Music Man. It was exciting to see him marching in his uniform and wowing the crowd.” July 2008
STONC Artistic Director Melody Libonati has selected and directed Richard in three shows. When asked if he is tempermental to work with she replied: “Are you kidding? He’s a sweetheart and he takes his work seriously. He always comes prepared, takes suggestion, and works well with the other members of the cast. He has done several family shows with me, and is adored by the kids and adults in the cast.” July 2008
Maestro Norman Leyden, Laureate Associate Conductor of the Oregon Symphony Orchestra says of Richard and his fellow soloists:
“We should incorporate. Let’s do it again. The four of us can do anything!” April 2008
Joanne Parody, actress and well known member of the Theatre Artists Workshop says:
“I have worked with Richard as an actor, singer, and as his Director. He is a joy to work with and a great new talent who will soon be discovered for major Broadway roles.” July 2008
Loraine Hilton, parent of child actor, Claire, 12, who has worked with Richard in two shows.
“We thought he was phenomenal as Professor Hill and so charismatic. He has that sparkle in his eyes, and you can’t help loving him. We were delighted when he was given this role. We, along with the children, admire him and appreciate the help that he has given Claire with her acting skills.” July 2008
Margery Irish, Producer and Board President of Pro Arte Singers, said with enthusiasm,
“Robert Preston move over! It’s now Richard Hartley’s show. I discovered Richard about 5 years ago and became a fan. He is not only gorgeous with a magnificent voice, and great charisma, but he is a major talent. It’s truly a joy to listen to him. He has a fantastic way of interpreting his parts -characters of all kinds from Max in Sound of Music to Harold Hill in The Music Man. What a versatile performer who makes us forget our troubles and be happy.” July 2008
Dorothy Bryce, Award winning actress
“Your performance of ‘Out There’ was terrific…You have incredible talents, Richard and I wonder if you really know that. I was so happy that Jim Noble heard you last night....you were fabulous.” July 2008
Ellen Taylor Sisson, Singer and actor:
While singing with Richard on stage, he conveyed energy and immediate connections that propelled us through all our songs.” July 2008
Contact Information
Richard Hartley
(646) 438-0455
www.richardhartley@optimum.net
www.richardhartley.org
Manager: Virginia Barnes
(650) 967-4282
virginia@mslodge.com