Teddy Lei is a dynamic and expressive tenor from Tianjin, China, whose artistry is rooted in both musical sensitivity and theatrical depth. Known for his elegant phrasing, warm lyricism, and natural stage presence, he is quickly establishing himself as a compelling interpreter of leading tenor roles in both classic and lesser-performed operatic works. With a solid foundation in vocal technique and multilingual repertoire, Teddy continues to grow as a versatile and intelligent performer, equally at home in the concert hall, on the operatic stage, and in recital settings.

Teddy began his formal musical education at the New England Conservatory in Boston, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. There, he was mentored by distinguished faculty and immersed in a rigorous curriculum that emphasized vocal technique, language proficiency, and performance experience. His time at NEC fostered a deep appreciation for operatic literature and cultivated his instinct for both vocal color and dramatic timing. While in Boston, he took part in student productions, masterclasses, and chamber performances, steadily building his skills as a well-rounded performer.

Eager to deepen his artistic voice, Teddy pursued a Master of Music degree in Opera at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. This next step brought him into a professional artistic environment where he honed his craft through intensive coursework, language study, and performance. At MSM, Teddy worked closely with acclaimed vocal coaches, conductors, and directors, expanding his interpretive range and technical agility. His graduate studies culminated in a series of strong performances in leading and supporting roles, as well as operatic scenes and recital programs that showcased his musical sensitivity and dramatic imagination.

Throughout his training and early career, Teddy has portrayed a diverse array of operatic characters, each revealing different aspects of his voice and stage temperament. Notable performances include Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Lensky in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, and Nemorino in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. These roles have allowed him to explore repertoire from the Italian, Russian, and French traditions, deepening his understanding of stylistic nuance and linguistic delivery. Most recently, he performed the role of Fenton in Otto Nicolai’s Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor, a character that highlighted his lyric timbre, youthful charm, and comic sensibility.

In addition to opera, Teddy is passionate about concert and recital repertoire. He has performed tenor solos in sacred works such as Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, and Schubert’s Mass in G. As a recitalist, he is drawn to the poetic worlds of Schubert Lieder, French mélodie, and Italian art songs, often pairing canonical works with lesser-known pieces to offer fresh and engaging programs. His care for text, subtle inflection, and musical phrasing speaks to his commitment to storytelling through song.

Teddy's development as an artist has been enriched by international experiences. He has participated in prestigious summer programs such as the Ischia Opera Festival and Classical Lyric Arts in Italy, where he worked intensively with native language coaches and performed in historic venues. These immersive training environments enhanced his stylistic authenticity and exposed him to a wide network of mentors and collaborators. His time in Italy also gave him a deeper cultural and artistic perspective that continues to inform his work as a singing actor.

Beyond the stage, Teddy brings valuable professional experience from the classical music industry, having served as a project manager at a classical music company. In this role, he coordinated productions, artist relations, and communications, gaining insight into the administrative and logistical aspects of music-making. This background has given him a heightened appreciation for teamwork and the behind-the-scenes effort that supports artistic excellence.

As a native of China who has studied and performed in the United States and Europe, Teddy has a rich multicultural perspective that enhances his versatility as a performer. He is fluent in Mandarin and English and has working proficiency in Italian, German, and French. He continually works to refine his diction and deepen his connection to the language and cultural context of each role he performs. His musical influences include both legendary tenors—such as Fritz Wunderlich and Giuseppe di Stefano—and contemporary artists who blend vocal finesse with theatrical honesty.

Teddy is particularly drawn to roles that require vulnerability, lyrical warmth, and sincere emotional expression. He gravitates toward characters like Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Alfredo (La Traviata), and Tom Rakewell (The Rake’s Progress), which allow him to explore psychological nuance and long musical lines. He believes that opera is a living, breathing art form, and he strives to create performances that feel immediate, emotionally authentic, and human.

His artistic goals are centered on continual growth, collaboration, and service to the repertoire. As a young artist, he seeks opportunities to expand his performance experience, receive mentorship from experienced colleagues, and refine his technique in the context of professional rehearsal and production environments. He is especially excited by programs that encourage individual growth while fostering a sense of ensemble, creativity, and community.

Outside of his musical work, Teddy is passionate about literature, travel, and art. These interests inform his role preparation and serve as creative fuel for his storytelling. He also prioritizes physical wellness as part of his vocal discipline, staying active through fitness and outdoor activities. His holistic approach to performance encompasses mind, body, and spirit, which he believes are all essential components of sustained artistry.

With a strong academic foundation, a range of professional experiences, and a thoughtful artistic vision, Teddy Lei is poised for continued growth in the operatic field. He brings not only a well-trained voice and a strong work ethic, but also a genuine love for the art form and a deep respect for the collaborative spirit of opera.