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Blake Denson

baritone

One of the most exciting vocal talents to emerge in recent seasons, Blake Denson, described as a “roaring baritone" (Klassik begeistert), is praised for his “captivating dramatic interpretations” with “a striking upper register” and “a sound that boomed to the back of the house” (Opera Wire). Recently, Denson was named a winner of The Richard Tucker—Sarah Tucker Grant Award, the George London Foundation Competition and the 59th International Concurs Tenor Viñas Competition, and the winner in the Dallas Opera National Vocal Competition. He was also a grand finalist winner of the 2020 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, performing with Bertrand de Billy and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

The 2023-24 season has seen Denson’s return to Houston Grand Opera, where he will debut the role of Ford in Falstaff. He will join the Metropolitan Opera roster for the first time in two productions: Madama Butterfly as Prince Yamadori and Fire Shut Up in My Bones as Pastor/Kaboom. Denson will also be heard in concert alongside Lisette Oropesa at New Orleans Opera. 
 
In the 2022-23 season, Denson made his German debut in La fanciulla del West with the Bayerische Staatsoper singing the role of Larkens. Additionally, he was heard in performances with the Staatsoper Hamburg, including his house debut in a new production of Carmen singing the role of Morales. Denson also made his debut with English National Opera as Donner in their new production of Das Rheingold. He then joined Washington National Opera for their production of La Bohème, where he debuted the role of Schaunard. In symphonic works, Denson performed Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with the Paducah Symphony. Denson also made his debut with the Santa Fe Opera in two different productions in the summer of 2023: as Angelotti in Tosca and Plutone in Orfeo.

Denson is a graduate of the prestigious Houston Grand Opera Studio (2020-22), and holds degrees from Rice University and University of Kentucky.