Keith Phares is a renowned American baritone who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on August 23, 1971, in Kansas City, Missouri, Phares grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, so it was only natural that he developed an interest in music at a young age. Phares began his musical journey by studying the piano and the trumpet. However, it was not until he was in high school that he discovered his love for singing. He joined the choir and quickly realized that he had a natural talent for it. He went on to study vocal performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree. After completing his undergraduate studies, Phares moved to New York City to pursue a career in opera. He continued his education at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned his Master of Music degree. During his time in New York, Phares studied with some of the most renowned vocal coaches in the world, including Joan Patenaude-Yarnell and Maitland Peters. Phares made his professional debut in 1999, playing the role of Schaunard in Puccini's La bohème at the New York City Opera. This performance marked the beginning of a successful career that has spanned over two decades. Since then, Phares has performed in some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the San Francisco Opera. One of Phares' most notable performances was his portrayal of the title character in Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera in 2010. The performance was widely praised by critics, who described Phares' voice as "rich and powerful" and his acting as "compelling and nuanced." The production was later released on DVD, further cementing Phares' reputation as one of the most talented baritones of his generation. In addition to his work in opera, Phares has also made a name for himself as a concert performer. He has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors in the world, including James Levine, Sir Simon Rattle, and Riccardo Muti. Phares has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2003, he was awarded the Richard Tucker Career Grant, which is given annually to an American singer who is on the verge of a major international career. He was also a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 1998, which helped launch his career. In addition to his work as a performer, Phares is also a dedicated teacher. He has served on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Kansas, where he has helped to train the next generation of opera singers. In conclusion, Keith Phares is a talented and accomplished baritone who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His powerful voice, nuanced acting, and dedication to his craft have earned him a reputation as one of the most talented singers of his generation. With a career that has spanned over two decades, Phares shows no signs of slowing down, and his contributions to the world of opera and classical music will continue to be felt for years to come.

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