Michael Skarke

Praised for his “exquisite, almost ethereal tone quality,” (Vocal Arts Chicago) and “strong dramatic presence,” (San Diego Story) countertenor Michael Skarke is quickly amassing experience between opera, oratorio, and ensemble singing. 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. Michael led the alto section of the Voces8 Scholars from 2020 to 2022 and is currently listed on the Seraphic Fire substitute list. In August, Michael joined the American Soloists Ensemble in Seoul, South Korea for a concert tour and recording to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Korean-American relations.

Michael has had the privilege to work with Opera NEO, American Baroque Opera, Bach Society Hoston, Illinois Bach Academy, and Haymarket Opera. In the coming months, Michael will make 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. 2022-23 will also see Michael performing with La Grande Bande, Ars Lyrica Houston, and Mercury Chamber Orchesta.

When not performing, you might catch Michael playing golf, basketball, or spending time with his beautiful wife, Jenny, and baby girl, Clarke.