Born in Bolton, the tenor Harold Sharples was a music and singing student at the Royal Manchester College of Music and the London Opera Centre. After his studies, Harold toured with 'Opera for All' over three seasons, singing in Don Giovanni, The Rake's Progress, and La Traviata. Also during his career, he sang with Wexford Festival Opera, Scottish Opera, D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Festival of London, and Opera North, staying with the latter for twenty years. During his time singing with these companies, Harold performed in Britten's Death in Venice at the Grand Theatre, Geneva, and Sullivan's Yeomen of the Guard, directed by Anthony Besch, to name a few.