Rising young tenor Adam Clayton embodies a rare blend of both talent and humility through his performances which span opera, oratorio, and ensemble work.

In 2024, at the Royal College of Music Opera Studio, Adam covered Vicomte Cascada and sang ensemble in Lehar’s The Merry Widow. He also played the role of Pylade in a scene from Iphigénie en Tauride during RCM’s Opera Scenes. In Northwestern University’s production of The Magic Flute in 2023, Adam covered Tamino and performed the roles of the Priest and Armored Guard. In 2022, Adam played the part of Ambrose Raines in the Midwest premier of the modern opera In a Grove by Christopher Cerrone. Adam also performed David in the Midwest premier of If I Were You by Jake Heggie. He also engaged audiences that summer in his European opera debut as Alfred in Die Fledermaus in Berlin, Germany, while additionally performing the role of Dr. Blind in a separate production of Die Fledermaus through the Berlin Opera Academy. In 2021, while several musical stage performances were canceled due to Covid-19, Adam auditioned for his first opera and was cast as Orpheus in Orpheus in the Underworld.

Adam has now completed his first recital at the Royal College of Music, in May 2024. He also held two recitals during his time at Northwestern. In April 2022, his recital encompassed the repertoire of Schumann and Mozart, then in May 2023, he held a solo recital performing Fauré and other arias and art songs.

Some other highlights of Adam’s college career included assistant directing Northwestern’s production of Alcina, his ensemble participation in Alcina and La Bohème, leading and singing with solo opportunities in The Renaissance Singers choir, and singing in Grammy winning Director Donald Nally’s Bienen Contemporary and Early Vocal Ensemble. He was also an active member in his music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Adam is currently attending the Royal College of Music in London, pursuing a Master of Performance in Voice, and studying under the tutelage of Tim Evans-Jones. He is a Martin Harris Scholar, supported by Mrs. Harris and Mr. Harris, and will complete studies in 2025. He received his Bachelor of Music in Voice and Opera Performance from the Honors Program at Northwestern in June 2023. He studied under Kurt Hansen since his sophomore year of high school in 2016, when he demonstrated aptitude and conviction beyond his years.

Adam has enjoyed singing his whole life. At 13 years old, he was honored to sing the National Anthem at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. With Midwest Young Artist Conservatory’s Voices Rising, a suburban Chicago based choir, he performed at various locations around DC, Chicago’s Symphony Hall, Ravinia, and Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. He was selected to sing the opening verse of Carry On by Fun for McDonald’s famous “Signs” commercial. As a Lake Forest High School student and choir member, he toured, sang, and soloed in numerous chapels and performance venues across the United States and throughout Italy, culminating with an awe-inspiring performance at The Vatican. Adam was also active in the high school theater department where he performed in several plays and captured audiences’ hearts through his vocal performances in the lead roles of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Bobbie Strong in Urinetown, and Dennis in All Shook Up.

“Adam’s respect for the rehearsal process, his commitment to personal excellence, and his vocal prowess have always been extraordinary. What truly sets him apart… is his humility. Adam understands the transformative power of music and the dedication that it takes to serve it well. He prepares for rehearsals and solos… and is adored by his teachers and peers.”

- Stevi Marks, former Grammy Music Educator Award semi-finalist, Director of MYAC, and Lecturer at Northwestern University. 

As the recipient of several recognitions, Adam is a certified singer for Classical Singers and was a finalist in the 2019 CS Music Vocal Competition. He achieved Honorable Mention recognition for the Hal Leonard Vocal Competition and was a finalist in the 2022 competition, and was awarded 3rd place in the Schmidt High School Regional Vocal Competition.

Adam is a native of Lake Forest, IL where he used his vocal and instrumental gifts to lead worship services at his home church, Christ Church Vernon Hills, every Sunday. Adam now resides in London and actively contributes musically at Christ Church Kensington.