William coaching with Founder & Artistic Director, Glenn Morton at CLA France 2017
Classic Lyric Arts celebrates the continued success of alumn, William Guanbo Su, on his casting as Colline in Puccini’s La Bohème during the Metropolitan Opera’s 2026-27 season.
William participated in CLA Italy in 2015 and CLA France in 2017. During his time with CLA, he immersed himself in the intensive musical, linguistic, and stylistic training that defines the CLA experience and supports singers’ artistic careers long past the program.
William has quickly established himself as one of the most compelling young basses performing today. Praised by The New York Times for his “musical taste, honest execution of Handelian ornaments and bel canto filigree”, he brings both stylistic sensitivity and commanding stage presence to a wide range of repertoire and US stages.
William made his debut with the Metropolitan Opera in 2022 as the Jailer in Tosca, and has since returned to the company for appearances, including the Speaker in The Magic Flute and Masetto in Don Giovanni. His return in the upcoming season marks an exciting step in his ongoing relationship with one of the world’s leading opera houses.
William and artists at during a performance at CLA Italy 2015
Beyond the Met, William has appeared with numerous opera companies across the United States. His recent engagements include Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Seattle Opera, Colline in La bohème with Dallas Opera and Utah Opera, Blitch in Susannah at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and Alidoro in La Cenerentola with Opera Maine. Additional appearances include the Bonze in Madama Butterfly with Houston Grand Opera and the Grand Teton Music Festival, and Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor with Nashville Opera.
William has also been a winner of major competitions throughout the US. In 2019, William was named a Grand Finals winner of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. He is also a second-place winner of the Eleanor McCollum Competition at Houston Grand Opera. William has also won top prizes at the Liederkranz Foundation’s Song/Lieder Competition and the Gerda Lissner Opera Competition
William performing in a public masterclass at CLA France 2017
Leading up to the launch of his professional career, William began his studies at the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard, and he further developed his artistry as a member of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, one of the leading Young Artist Training Programs in the US.
The Classic Lyric Arts team is proud to be a part of William’s journey. William’s achievements reflect the dedication, unique artistry, and musical excellence that define the CLA community.