Richard is a versatile singer and, more recently, conductor and composer, who has used his musical skills to act as musical director for productions with Tonguetied Theatre, West Bank Park Theatre Project and Badapple Theatre Company as well as leading the Harrogate Male Voice Choir and a small ensemble, Sound Fellows.

In May 2021 he wrote and performed a song For the Love of Singing, as part of ‘Love Bites’ which re-opened York Theatre Royal.

“…a song as nimble on its feet as Fred Astaire and wittily delivered in the crisply enunciated manner of a Richard Stilgoe……Clever, humorous, warm and briskly energetic, and tuneful to boot.” Charles Hutchinson

“Richard Kay had us all in the palm of his hand by the time he’d finished his piece For the Love of Singing” Julia Pattison, Pocklington Post

During the lockdowns he led four choirs through Zoom rehearsals, composing new music and assembling virtual tracks. For more information visit his blog, Choir singing in Lockdown

To hear more of Richard’s tracks visit his youtube page or soundcloud channels.

Richard was the Assistant, then Deputy, Musical Director of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir for almost 15 years until 2024. Since 2021, he has been the Musical Director of Harrogate Male Voice Choir

“You did a brilliant job – I absolutely love it! Hopefully we’ll have other songs, worthy of your brilliant voice, in the future.” Maggie Adams, www.maggiessongs.com, after recording her song “Running Scared”

Richard has worked as a session singer for songwriter Maggie Adams. Click here to listen to Maggie’s song I Want to Thank You. 

“You were one of the easiest people to work with – so I’m definitely up for working together again if possible!” – Mark Pierce, www.stompboxstudios.co.uk, 15th April 2013

Richard has a strong High Baritone voice with a comfortable range of two Octaves from bottom to top G. He has experience of performing as a soloist with piano, orchestral, rock band and backing tracks as well as performing a capella. Styles include classical, musical theatre, jazz, rock, easy listening, opera and comic songs. In 2024 Richard starting delivering a popular talk, with accompanying songs, on the History of Musical Theatre.

“many thanks for your superb talk/performance/concert last night. Everyone who was there thought it was terrific. The ecstatic comments are still coming in.” – Richard Hinchcliffe, Grange over Sands Lecture Society

“It was just probably the most entertaining evening we have ever received and we all knew it.” – Peter Ratcliffe, Grange over Sands Lecture Society