Ryan McKinny is a renowned American bass-baritone opera singer who has made a name for himself in the classical music industry. Born on August 17, 1983, in Dallas, Texas, McKinny grew up in a musical family and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a choir director, which helped to shape his love for music. McKinny began his musical journey by playing the trumpet in his school band. However, he soon discovered his passion for singing and began taking voice lessons. He attended the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. He then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received a Master of Music degree in Opera. McKinny's career took off in 2010 when he won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. This prestigious competition is known for discovering and launching the careers of some of the world's most talented opera singers. McKinny's win opened doors for him, and he began performing in some of the world's most renowned opera houses. One of McKinny's most notable performances was in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Wagner's "Die Walküre" in 2019. He played the role of Wotan, one of the most challenging roles in the opera repertoire. McKinny's performance was praised by critics, who described his voice as "powerful" and "commanding." He also received critical acclaim for his performance in the Metropolitan Opera's production of "The Exterminating Angel" in 2017. McKinny has also performed with other major opera companies, including the San Francisco Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Houston Grand Opera. He has played a variety of roles, including Don Giovanni in Mozart's "Don Giovanni," Escamillo in Bizet's "Carmen," and the title role in Verdi's "Rigoletto." In addition to his opera performances, McKinny has also performed in concert halls around the world. He has worked with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Gustavo Dudamel, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin. McKinny has also performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. McKinny's talent has not gone unnoticed, and he has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In addition to winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, he has also won the George London Foundation Award, the Richard Tucker Career Grant, and the Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition. He was also a finalist in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2015. McKinny is known for his powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and ability to bring complex characters to life. He is also known for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to giving back to the community. He has worked with various organizations, including the Sing for Hope Foundation, which brings music to underserved communities. In conclusion, Ryan McKinny is a talented and accomplished bass-baritone opera singer who has made a name for himself in the classical music industry. His journey from playing the trumpet in his school band to performing on some of the world's most renowned stages is a testament to his dedication and hard work. McKinny's performances have been praised by critics and audiences alike, and his talent has earned him numerous awards and accolades.

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