Birth

:

November 26, 1970 in South Bend, IN

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Nathan Gunn is a renowned American baritone who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born on November 26, 1970, in South Bend, Indiana, Nathan grew up in a musical family. His father was a professor of music at the University of Notre Dame, and his mother was a pianist. Nathan's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Nathan began his formal music education at the University of Illinois, where he studied voice with John Wustman. He later earned his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan, where he studied with George Shirley. Nathan's talent and hard work paid off when he won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 1994, which launched his career as a professional opera singer. Nathan's career took off quickly, and he soon became a sought-after performer in the world's leading opera houses. He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1995, playing the role of Guglielmo in Mozart's Così fan tutte. He has since performed in numerous productions at the Met, including the title role in Billy Budd, Papageno in The Magic Flute, and the Count in The Marriage of Figaro. Nathan has also performed at other major opera houses around the world, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. He has worked with some of the most renowned conductors and directors in the industry, including James Levine, Sir Simon Rattle, and Robert Carsen. In addition to his opera performances, Nathan is also a sought-after concert performer. He has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has also performed in numerous recitals, both in the United States and abroad. Nathan's talent and hard work have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2006, he was awarded the prestigious Beverly Sills Artist Award, which recognizes exceptional young singers. He has also been awarded the Richard Tucker Award, the Musical America Vocalist of the Year Award, and the Opera News Award. One of Nathan's most notable performances was his portrayal of the title role in Billy Budd at the Metropolitan Opera in 2012. The production, directed by John Dexter, was highly acclaimed, and Nathan's performance was praised for its emotional depth and vocal power. The New York Times called Nathan's performance "a triumph," and the production was later released on DVD. Another highlight of Nathan's career was his performance in the world premiere of the opera Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie. Nathan played the role of Joseph De Rocher, a death row inmate, in the opera, which was based on the book by Sister Helen Prejean. The opera premiered at the San Francisco Opera in 2000 and has since been performed around the world. Nathan is also known for his work as an educator and advocate for the arts. He has served as a faculty member at the University of Illinois and has given masterclasses at numerous universities and conservatories. He is also a board member of the Metropolitan Opera Guild and has worked to promote opera and classical music to a wider audience. In recent years, Nathan has continued to perform and record, releasing several albums of classical and popular music. He has also expanded his repertoire to include musical theater, performing in productions of Carousel and Camelot.

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