Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Daniel Okulitch is a Canadian bass-baritone who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on September 28, 1972, in Edmonton, Alberta, Okulitch grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Okulitch began singing at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Okulitch attended the University of British Columbia, where he studied voice with David Meek. He later went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received his Master of Music degree. While at Juilliard, Okulitch studied with renowned bass-baritone John Shirley-Quirk. Okulitch made his professional debut in 1998 with the Canadian Opera Company, where he performed the role of Schaunard in Puccini's La bohème. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. In 2000, he made his debut with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where he performed the role of Schaunard once again. Over the years, Okulitch has performed with some of the world's most prestigious opera companies, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich. He has also performed with many of the top orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. One of Okulitch's most notable performances was his portrayal of the title character in the world premiere of Rufus Wainwright's opera, Prima Donna, at the Manchester International Festival in 2009. The opera was later performed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. Okulitch received critical acclaim for his performance, with The New York Times calling him "a commanding presence" and "a singer of great power and nuance." In addition to his opera performances, Okulitch has also performed in many concerts and recitals. He has a particular affinity for the music of Franz Schubert and has performed his song cycles Winterreise and Die schöne Müllerin in many venues around the world. Okulitch has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2007, he was awarded the Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an American singer who is on the verge of a major international career. He was also a recipient of the George London Foundation Award in 2002 and the Sullivan Foundation Award in 1999. In addition to his performing career, Okulitch is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto, and he has given masterclasses at many institutions around the world. Okulitch continues to be a major force in the world of classical music. His powerful voice and commanding stage presence have made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. With his dedication to his craft and his passion for music, he is sure to continue to be a major figure in the world of opera for many years to come.

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