Praised for his “exquisite, almost ethereal tone quality,” (Vocal Arts Chicago) and “sexy, strong countertenor,” (Stage and Cinema LA) Michael Skarke is quickly making a name for himself as one of America’s top young countertenors. He has been recognized with awards from national competitions including James Toland Vocal Arts, the Young Texas Artists Competition, and the MTNA Finals.
Michael’s repertoire spans from the best of the Baroque – Cavalli, Monteverdi, Bach, and Handel - to modern standards including Ticheli, Dove, and Britten.
Recent engagements for Michael include a solo feature on the Houston Chamber Choir’s world premiere recording of Daniel Knaggs’ Two Streams with 10-time GRAMMY® award winning producer Blanton Alspaugh, and a concert tour and recording of the world premiere arrangement of an all-men’s Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil with the GRAMMY® nominated PaTRAM Male Chorus in Jerusalem, Israel. He also led the alto section of the Voces8 Scholars from 2020 to 2022 and will debut with Seraphic Fire in 2024. This August, Michael will return to Seoul, South Korea with the American Soloists Ensemble for a concert tour and recording to celebrate the 141st anniversary of Korean American relations.
Michael has had the privilege to work with Opera NEO, American Baroque Opera, Bach Society Houston, Illinois Bach Academy, and Haymarket Opera. The 2022 season included several exciting debuts including a mainstage debut as Ottone in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea with Haymarket Opera and as Alceste in the North American premiere of Vivaldi’s Ercole su’l Termodonte with Pacific Opera Project. Michael also made debuts with Ars Lyrica Houston, Harmonia Stellarum, and Mercury Chamber Orchestra in 2022. This summer, Michael will make his debut with West Edge Opera in Oakland, CA, repeating the role of Ottone in Poppea of which Chicago Classical Review called his performances “superb… somehow making this weak, lovelorn character credible and appealing.”
Michael has two degrees in voice performance from Baylor University, where he studied with Dr. Robert Best. Sic’ Em Bears! When not performing, you might catch Michael playing golf, weight lifting, or spending time with his beautiful wife Jenny and baby girl, Clarke.
Michael’s repertoire spans from the best of the Baroque – Cavalli, Monteverdi, Bach, and Handel - to modern standards including Ticheli, Dove, and Britten.
Recent engagements for Michael include a solo feature on the Houston Chamber Choir’s world premiere recording of Daniel Knaggs’ Two Streams with 10-time GRAMMY® award winning producer Blanton Alspaugh, and a concert tour and recording of the world premiere arrangement of an all-men’s Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil with the GRAMMY® nominated PaTRAM Male Chorus in Jerusalem, Israel. He also led the alto section of the Voces8 Scholars from 2020 to 2022 and will debut with Seraphic Fire in 2024. This August, Michael will return to Seoul, South Korea with the American Soloists Ensemble for a concert tour and recording to celebrate the 141st anniversary of Korean American relations.
Michael has had the privilege to work with Opera NEO, American Baroque Opera, Bach Society Houston, Illinois Bach Academy, and Haymarket Opera. The 2022 season included several exciting debuts including a mainstage debut as Ottone in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea with Haymarket Opera and as Alceste in the North American premiere of Vivaldi’s Ercole su’l Termodonte with Pacific Opera Project. Michael also made debuts with Ars Lyrica Houston, Harmonia Stellarum, and Mercury Chamber Orchestra in 2022. This summer, Michael will make his debut with West Edge Opera in Oakland, CA, repeating the role of Ottone in Poppea of which Chicago Classical Review called his performances “superb… somehow making this weak, lovelorn character credible and appealing.”
Michael has two degrees in voice performance from Baylor University, where he studied with Dr. Robert Best. Sic’ Em Bears! When not performing, you might catch Michael playing golf, weight lifting, or spending time with his beautiful wife Jenny and baby girl, Clarke.