Lee Poulis is a renowned American baritone opera singer who has made a name for himself in the classical music industry. Born on August 22, 1976, in New York City, Poulis grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Poulis started singing at a young age and was encouraged by his parents to pursue a career in music. Poulis attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied voice and opera. He also studied at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. During his time at these institutions, Poulis honed his skills and developed his unique style of singing. Poulis made his professional debut in 2002, playing the role of Schaunard in Puccini's La bohème at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. In 2003, he won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, which is one of the most prestigious competitions for young opera singers in the United States. Since then, Poulis has performed in some of the world's most renowned opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. He has also worked with some of the most celebrated conductors and directors in the industry, including James Levine, Plácido Domingo, and Robert Carsen. One of Poulis's most notable performances was in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Mozart's Don Giovanni in 2011. He played the role of Masetto and received critical acclaim for his performance. The New York Times praised his "rich, resonant voice" and his "convincing portrayal of the jealous Masetto." Poulis has also performed in a number of contemporary operas, including John Adams's Nixon in China and Philip Glass's Satyagraha. He has been praised for his ability to bring a modern sensibility to traditional operatic roles. In addition to his work on stage, Poulis is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught master classes at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, and he has worked with young singers at the Santa Fe Opera and the Glimmerglass Festival. Throughout his career, Poulis has received numerous awards and accolades. In addition to his win at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, he has been a finalist in the Plácido Domingo Operalia competition and the Richard Tucker Music Foundation competition. He has also been awarded the George London Foundation Award and the Sullivan Foundation Award. Poulis continues to perform regularly and is considered one of the most talented baritones of his generation. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to mentoring young singers have made him a beloved figure in the classical music community.

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