Daryl Simpson BEM, a versatile singer and musician hailing from Omagh, Northern Ireland, has carved a distinguished career performing on global stages with acclaimed orchestras such as the Ulster Orchestra, Zurich Kammerorchester, and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Trained originally as an operatic tenor, Daryl’s repertoire spans diverse musical styles, leading to numerous performances and recordings worldwide, and he is featured prominently on platforms like BBC, ITV, RTE, PBS, NBC, CBC, ABC, and ZDF.
Daryl’s skills as an instrumentalist include performing piano and guitar regularly as part of his solo shows, as well as those with The Celtic Tenors. His latest solo album, Reflections, showcases his talent for reimagining classic songs such as Brown Eyed Girl and Annie’s Song. Moreover, Daryl is celebrated as the founding Musical Director of the Omagh Community Youth Choir, a beacon of peace and reconciliation through music since its establishment in the aftermath of the Omagh tragedy. The choir’s impactful journey includes performances on esteemed platforms like the Royal Variety Show and collaborations yielding Billboard Top 10 hits.
Daryl’s journey into opera began with training at the Alexander Gibson Opera Studio in Glasgow, followed by acceptance into the prestigious Zurich International Opera Studio. Mentored by the legendary Nicolai Gedda, he now imparts his knowledge through masterclasses and collaborations with Northern Ireland Opera. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Daryl pioneered online concerts, offering weekly shows on Facebook and subsequently establishing a thriving Patreon community, engaging audiences across Europe and North America. In recognition of his contributions to community relations and peace in Northern Ireland, Daryl was honored with a British Empire Medal by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2018 New Year Honours.