The acclaimed bass-baritone and opera star Eric Owens will take on a new role in 2016-17 – that of distinguished visiting artist at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. Critically acclaimed as “one of the greatest bass-baritones in the world” (Bloomberg News) and “an American marvel” (Chicago Sun Times), Mr. Owens will coach voice students and lead master classes over the course of multiple visits that includes 10 days on campus during the year.
“The opportunity to study with and learn from an artist of this caliber can truly shape our student musicians’ experience at Peabody and in their careers,” says Fred Bronstein, dean of the Peabody Institute. “Eric Owens commands a towering presence on today’s opera stages, and his credentials as a performer are absolutely impeccable. As a teacher, I have witnessed firsthand students flocking to and gathering around Eric after a class just seeking to soak up more of what he has to say. We are thrilled to add his unique talents and insights to our program.”
Currently the Mary and James G. Wallach Artist-in-Residence for the New York Philharmonic, Eric Owens has established a reputation as an esteemed interpreter of classic works and a champion of new music, equally at home in orchestral, recital, and operatic repertoire. He has been heralded for recent performances as Stephen Kumalo in Kurt Weill’s Lost in the Stars at the Glimmerglass Festival and with the Washington National Opera, at the Metropolitan Opera as Alberich in Das Rheingold and as Orest in Elektra, as Lodovico in Verdi’s Otello with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra both in Chicago and at Carnegie Hall, and portraying the title role in the world premiere of Elliot Goldenthal’s Grendel with the Los Angeles Opera and at the Lincoln Center Festival. A regular guest on leading stages around the world, his most recent appearances in Baltimore included performing Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem with Markus Stenz and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
“Working with young musicians is so rewarding for me,” says Mr. Owens, who as a Community Ambassador for the Lyric Opera of Chicago works regularly with students at the Chicago High School for the Arts and other schools there. “And Peabody students and faculty are so highly regarded in the industry. I am excited to join the community there and can’t wait to get started.”
