I have three favorite composers, all of whom are great opera composers. The first is Mozart. He really knew how to write for the voice, and in his time, no one could do what he did. His opera Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) is one of my favorites in all of the repertoire. Singing Mozart requires the singer to have excellent technique in both the bottom and top of their range. He exposes you at times while giving you the opportunity to showcase your abilities.  The next is Rossini — the master of patter is a gift to any singer who has a flexible voice. He really lets you show how fast and colorful you can sing. The last one is Verdi. He combines both traits of Mozart and Rossini with beautiful melodies and extreme drama.

Exercise using the CrossFit system and it has benefited me greatly. The challenge of building a healthier and stronger body each day has also allowed me to meet and connect with like-minded people who motivate, encourage and support me. I am also a huge sports fan, enjoy reading, cooking and discovering great bakeries.

I once had the opportunity to play Javert in a national tour of Les Miserables, but turned it down to go to grad school. I’m not sure how the school of hard knocks would have turned out.

I grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, went off to college and received a Master of Music degree in music performance from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. As the son of a military father, I lived in several different places, including both coasts. Having that experience taught how to adjust to different environments and make friends quickly. That would later serve me in my professional career.

After moving to Chicago, I’ve had the privilege of working with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago Symphony, Elgin Opera, Harbor Country Opera, Skokie Valley Symphony, New Philharmonic and the Northwest Indiana Symphony.

watching my North Carolina Tarheel men’s basketball team play, Drum and Bugle Corps during the summer, and hearing great music by great musicians.