Baritone Robert Poulton has been killed in a car crash while touring with Glyndebourne Opera. The company cancelled last night’s performance of Rusalka, due to take place at Norwich Theatre Royal, out of respect.

A graduate of Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio, Poulton began his professional career in the Glyndebourne Chorus, and in subsequent years performed central roles both at the festival’s main home and on tour.

Other companies Poulton worked with included English National Opera, where in a Lulu of a few years ago his performance of the Animal Tamer and Acrobat wonderfully demonstrated both his fine acting presence and vocal breadth.

General director of Glyndebourne David Pickard said in statement: 'The news of Robert's death is devastating for his family – and for all of us at Glyndebourne who have so valued him over many years. It is testament to Robert’s generous character and amazing musicianship that he had such a distinguished operatic career, not just at Glyndebourne but also at many of the leading international houses. Our thoughts at this time are with Robert’s family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.'