William is a graduate of The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (MM) and The University of Tennessee (BA). Mr. Compton’s performance experience include roles in Don Giovanni, CosÌ fan, Le Nozze di Figaro, La Cenerentola, L’Elisir d’Amore , Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Turandot and La Traviata. He has sung with professional companies such as Cincinnati Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Dayton Opera, Knoxville Opera, Cincinnati Baroque, Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati, The Crested Butte Music Festival, The Dayton Philharmonic, Lexington Philharmonic and Asheville Symphony. A particular highlight in his career occurred in 2008 he was invited to compete in the Richard Tucker Music Foundation for a career grant.
His concert repertoire includes such varied works as Benjamin Britten’s St. Nicholas Canata, Carmina Burana, Monteverdi Vespers of 1610, Pärt’s Passio, Beethoven Symphony No. 9 and Mass in C, Messiah, Elijah, Bach’s St. John Passion, St. Matthew Passion, Christmas Oratorio and Haydn’s Creation.
Drew has officially called Memphis home since 2001, but his heart has resided there since childhood. The son and grandson of Memphis-based professional musicians, he carries on the tradition having performed, toured, and recorded with groups such as the Rhodes Mastersingers, Memphis Chamber Choir, St. Mary's Cathedral Choir, Opera Memphis, and Cantiamo!. Drew has also appeared in numerous regional theatre productions, and he co-founded the Running Gag Improv troupe, which he directed from 2006 to 2011. Drew has studied Theatre Performance at the University of Southern Mississippi, and Vocal Performance and Music History at the University of Memphis. He is honored to lend his voice to this incredible ensemble and looks forward to helping BealeCanto make a difference in this beautiful city!
