Khaled Issa

Khaled Issa is a lyric baritone whose journey to the operatic stage is defined by a bold transition from accounting to the world of music. Currently based in the UK, Khaled is a Master of Music candidate at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and will continue his studies for an additional year undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced studies under the tutelage of Quentin Hayes.

A man with glasses, a beard, and dark curly hair sitting outdoors at a table. He is wearing a dark blazer, a white shirt, and beaded bracelets. The background shows green bushes and a building with rectangular windows and a streetlamp.

Khaled Issa at Sir Charles Groves Halls - 2026

Early Musical Foundations

Khaled’s musical life began early on, and it flourished in high school when he picked up bass guitar joining several bands and performing across Egypt. He developed a love for live performance and found great joy in sharing music. After high school, he followed in his father’s footsteps, former Dean of the Faculty of Commerce Alexandria University, and pursued a degree in accounting. Despite excelling academically, his passion for music outshone his accounting interest.

Young man with curly hair, glasses, wearing a black polo shirt and jeans, holding a red bass guitar, standing next to a Marshall amplifier in a room with red and beige curtains.

Summer Rock Bands Festival - 2015

The Shift to Music

He later joined the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Choir and discovered an interest for classical music. He supplemented this interest with Piano and theoretical studies. It was here that he discovered his true calling as a soloist. Upon completing his bachelor’s degree, he made the pivotal, some would say risky decision, of shifting from accounting to music.

Orchestra and choir performing on stage in a concert hall.

Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Bibliotheca Alexandrina Choir - 2017

His decision led him to be acquainted with the legendary Sobhi Bidair who was the former director of the Cairo Opera Company. Under Bidair’s tutelage, Khaled gained the technical mechanics, artistic discipline and mentorship needed to succeed on stage. After some time working with his mentor, Khaled secured a resident soloist position at the Cairo Opera Company for three consecutive seasons, as well as appearing as a guest soloist with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Two men smiling, standing close together indoors, one with white hair and beard wearing a tan blazer and blue shirt, the other with dark curly hair and beard wearing a white shirt with a black ribbon detail, holding a black hat and a pair of glasses.

Khaled with his mentor Sobhi Bidair - 2023

Transitioning to the United Kingdom

During his work with the Cairo Opera House, Khaled performed an extensive range of opera, oratorio and symphonic works which would feed greatly into his artistic profile. His work was supplemented with opportunities to compose, do voice-over work and teaching.

Khaled’s desire to refine his craft led him to the UK, specifically to the Royal Northern College of Music under the tutelage of Quentin Hayes. His studies are generously supported by the prestigious Sawiris Arts and Culture Scholarship, as well as the Alice Orrell and A&N Kendall Award.

Excerpt from Venti scudi, L’elisir d’amore, Cairo Opera Company - 2024

A singer performing in front of a piano on stage with a pianist. The stage has warm wooden flooring. Two men are visible, one singing in a tuxedo and the other playing the piano. The background features a brick wall with the year '2022' projected in white light, illuminated with blue lighting.

Finals of Frederic Cox Award for Singing, RNCM - 2026

Current Work and Future Outlook

Since arriving in the UK, Khaled performed in several opera productions and masterclasses. He worked with renowned visiting tutors at RNCM, performed in masterclasses, and is constantly pushing himself forward.

A theatrical stage with tall dark blue curtains and dim lighting. Two actors are performing; one is standing and holding a stick or staff, and the other is lying face down on the stage floor. The scene appears dramatic or tense.

He recently won first prize in the William’s Howard Memorial Prize 2026 as well as being a finalist for the Frederic Cox Award for Singing 2026 at RNCM. Following the competitions, he was accepted among the 2026 cohort for the Pegasus Opera Company.

From Cunning Little Vixen, RNCM - 2026

A man in a tuxedo speaking on stage with a woman playing a grand piano behind him, in a room with wooden panel walls and a red curtain, on a parquet floor.

From the ledger to the stage, this is a reflection of his father’s last words to him…”Take a chance”. Khaled will continue his journey to refine his craft, explore the baritone repertoire, and seek quality and excellence in every moment he takes to the stage.

Finals of Williams-Howard, RNCM - 2026

Two men in suits sitting in an office with dark wood panels and framed pictures on shelves; one is smiling with his hand on his chin, the other is sitting with closed eyes and hands clasped in his lap; on the desk are office supplies and water bottles, and a flag is behind one man.

“Take a chance…”

Dr. Samir Issa, 1960 - 2017