Colin Ramsey is a highly regarded Chinese American bass whose “majestic, rotund, ravishing bass” (Opera Today) has earned him accolades from critics and audiences alike. Known for his rich, smoky timbre and dramatic versatility, Mr. Ramsey has become a sought-after performer in both opera and concert settings, with a broad repertoire that spans from the classical to the contemporary.

In 2024, Mr. Ramsey’s calendar is filled with exciting engagements, including a return to Opera Santa Barbara for the title role in Le Nozze di Figaro, performing Escamillo in Carmen at Amarillo Opera, and the title role in Polifemo, which he will perform in the U.S. premiere at Opera NEO. He will also be featured as the bass soloist in Messiah with both the Pacific Chamber Orchestra and the Santa Barbara Choral Society.

A native of Greenwich, CT, Mr. Ramsey was raised in a family that encouraged his love of music. He began studying music at an early age and developed a passion for opera. He went on to pursue training at the Manhattan School of Music, where he was a Presidential and Presser Foundation Scholar. During his time at MSM, he was awarded the prestigious Hugh Ross Award, which is given annually to a "singer of unusual promise," reflecting his early potential as a professional opera singer.

Mr. Ramsey’s operatic career has been marked by an impressive array of roles across multiple genres, with an emphasis on both dramatic and lyrical bass parts. Among his most celebrated roles are Colline in La bohème, Escamillo in Carmen, Hunding in Die Walküre, Guglielmo in Così fan Tutte, Leporello in Don Giovanni, Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Le Comte des Grieux in Manon. Mr. Ramsey’s unique “smoky” timbre has been well lent to additional roles such as, Don Basilio in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, The Bonze in Madama Butterfly, Edward Teller in John Adams’s Dr. Atomic, Father Palmer in Silent Night, Alidoro in Rossini’s La Cenerentola, The Speaker and Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, Collatinus in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia, Fafner in Das Rheingold Seneca in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea, Il Frate in Verdi’s Don Carlo, Angelotti in Tosca, and Cadmus and Somnus in Handel’s Semele. Mr. Ramsey’s commanding presence and deep vocal artistry make him a standout in each production.

Beyond the opera stage, Colin Ramsey has made a name for himself as a concert performer. He has appeared as a bass soloist with prestigious ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, Amarillo Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and La Jolla Symphony. His concert repertoire includes some of the most challenging and revered works in the choral-orchestral canon, such as Verdi’s Requiem, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Dvořák’s Stabat Mater, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, Handel’s Messiah, Fauré’s Requiem, and the Brahms Requiem. His ability to convey the emotional depth of these works has earned him praise from critics and audiences alike.

Mr. Ramsey's voice and technique have garnered recognition in the competition circuit as well. He is a winner of the Pasadena Opera Guild Competition, a 3rd Prize winner in the Rocky Mountain Region of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and an Encouragement Award recipient from the George London Foundation Competition. These accolades reflect his continued growth as a performer and his rising stature in the operatic world.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ramsey has participated in a number of prestigious apprentice programs, which have been crucial to his artistic development. These include programs with The Santa Fe Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, and the Crested Butte Music Festival. These experiences have helped hone his craft, providing opportunities to work with esteemed directors, conductors, and fellow singers.

As a passionate advocate for the arts and for the future of opera, Mr. Ramsey is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of singers. In addition to his active performing career, he dedicates significant time and energy to mentoring young vocalists. Through masterclasses and vocal coaching, Mr. Ramsey works to inspire and equip emerging artists with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the opera world. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Westmont College in Montecito,CA. His dedication to nurturing talent and passing on his knowledge reflects his belief in the importance of supporting young singers as they embark on their own artistic journeys.