Richard Thomas Gill American economist and opera singer (bass) Date of Birth: 30.11.1927 Country: USA

1. Biography of Richard Thomas Gill
2. Early Life and Education
3. Teaching Career
4. Operatic Career
5. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Richard Thomas Gill

Richard Thomas Gill was an American economist and opera singer (bass). He held a number of teaching and leadership positions at Harvard University for 22 years.

Early Life and Education

Richard was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. He never received formal vocal training, but it did not stop him from joining the local church choir and later learning to play the clarinet. At the age of 16, Richard enrolled at Harvard where he sang in the local music club. His studies were interrupted by his voluntary service in the US Army during the Japanese military action. After completing his service, Richard returned to Harvard and completed his studies in 1948. He then studied philosophy at the University of Oxford for a period of time before returning to Harvard and becoming an assistant dean.

Teaching Career

In 1956, Gill obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in economics. For almost ten years, he led the Economics 1 course, which became the most popular alternative course in Harvard's history. In addition, Gill taught courses on economic development, public policy, and economic theory to both undergraduate and graduate students. He also served on various university committees, such as the Committee on Educational Policy, Administrative Board, Kimball Fund, Committee on Admissions and Scholarships, and the Ford Faculty Fellowship Program. Gill was also one of the authors of a comprehensive report on Harvard's educational program reform and the sole author of an article on Harvard's awards and educational projects.

Operatic Career

In 1971, Richard left Harvard and pursued a career in singing. He debuted as an opera singer at the New York City Opera and performed for nearly 15 years. Some of his most successful roles include Sarastro in "The Magic Flute," Enrico in "Anna Bolena," Sir George in "I Puritani," Seneca in "Poppea," Colline in "La bohème," and Hans Sachs in "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg." In 1973, Gill reached the Metropolitan Opera stage and portrayed Pimen in "Boris Godunov," Father Lorenzo in "Roméo et Juliette," Timur in "Turandot," Yero in "Siege of Corinth," and the Commander in "Don Giovanni." He also performed with several major opera companies, including those in Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Boston, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Caracas, Toronto, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam. Gill even performed in the premiere production of Philip Glass's "Satyagraha."

Later Years and Legacy

Richard Gill's musical career extended beyond opera. He often performed as a soloist with various symphony orchestras, primarily in the United States. During his time as a singer, Gill served on the Board of Governors and later became the First Vice President of the American Guild of Musical Artists, a union for opera singers, stage directors, and ballet dancers.

On October 25, 2010, Gill passed away due to heart failure. His contributions as both an economist and an opera singer left a lasting impact on the fields of economics and music.