Bates O’Neal

Nashville born tenor, Bates O'Neal, is a cantorial soloist, operatic performer, recitalist, orchestral soloist, and choral singer who has performed throughout the eastern United States and in Italy. When performing at Miami Music Festival, South Florida Classical Review raved: "With a fine tenor and deft articulation, O'Neal brought sympathy to a role usually rendered as slapstick caricature."

Living in Charleston, Bates is the Music & Artistic Director at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE), a historic reform Jewish congregation. In 2024 he was honored by Jewish Rock Radio as a "Jewish Star" acknowledging him as a young leading voice in Jewish music. In May 2025, Bates was elected as Taylor Music Group's President of the board. He has sung in the tenor and bass sections of Taylor Festival Choir since 2015, and he served on TMG's Board of Directors since 2021 in the roles of Historian and Secretary.

Bates O'Neal holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music - Vocal Performance from College of Charleston, studying with David Templeton, where he earned the Dean's Award for Excellence in Music. He also earned a Masters of Music - Vocal Performance at Mannes School of Music, The New School, studying with Arthur Levy.