Michael Skarke, praised for his “exquisite, almost ethereal tone quality,” and “strong dramatic presence,” is quickly making a name for himself as one of America’s up-and-coming countertenors. His professional experience blends operatic and choral singing, including performances as Ixion in American Baroque Opera’s production of Charpentier’s Orphée, Endimione in Opera NEO’s production of Cavalli’s La Calisto, and appearances with the South Dakota based professional vocal ensemble, Transept, the 2019-2020 VOCES8 Scholars, and the Grammy® award winning Houston Chamber Choir. Michael was most recently chosen to be one of the first four returning VOCES8 Scholars, where he will serve as the alto section leader of the 2020-2022 groups. Other recent accomplishments include being named a National Finalist in the Music Teacher’s National Association Competition and placing 2nd in the Young Texas Artists Competition. Due to COVID-19, Michael’s debuts of the roles of Ottone in Haymarket Opera’s production of Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea and Alceste in the United States premiere of Antonio Vivaldi’s Ercole su’l Termodonte with Pacific Opera Project have been postponed. Michael is contracted return to Opera NEO this summer, where he will debut the role of Arsamene in their production of Händel's Serse. When not performing, you might catch Michael playing golf, basketball, or spending time with his wife Jenny.