Baritone John Drake hails from Athens, GA but is currently living in Philadelphia where he just completed his Master of Music in Vocal Performance degree at Temple University. His recent concert works include Vaughan Williams’ Dona nobis pacem at the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall with the Temple University Orchestra and Choirs conducted by Dr. Paul Rardin, as well as the baritone soloist for the Faure Requiem with the Philadelphia Voices of Pride conducted by Daniel Schwartz. At the Northeastern regional NATS competition John recently competed, and after four rounds of judging finished with second place. He was also recently awarded the William A. Singer award from the Boyer College of Music and Dance for his distinction among graduate students. His recent opera credits include the titular role in Don Giovanni, Pandolfe in Massenet’s “Cendrillon”, and Pirate King in “The Pirates of Penzance.”
John has sung across the southeast United States in ensemble and solo settings, including at his alma mater the University of Georgia. Here he serves as the president of the premier choral ensemble of the university, the Hugh Hodgson Singers. His experience was defined by the many incredible concert opportunities he had performing as the baritone soloist in pieces such as Michael Haydn’s Requiem, Britten’s Rejoice in the lamb, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, and selections from Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs. Along with concert opportunities he has had the unique experience of performing to a crowd of fifty thousand plus as the premier vocalist at the University of Georgia 2023 commencement ceremony. He has performed roles including Don Alfonso, Luka, and Wagner with the UGA Opera Theatre, as well as a myriad of scenes throughout his time there.
John has significant experience performing with Young Artist Programs. Most recently as an emerging artist at the Seagle festival where he performed in Pirates of Penzance, Mayo Buckner, Anything Goes, and Carmen, as well as concerts featuring the music of John Duke, Tom Cipullo, and Evan Mack. John is also thrilled to participate in their Fall season where he will be performing “Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers.” A children’s outreach opera as well as a concert of Andrew Lloyd Webber Music. John was also thrilled to be a Smith Young Artist with Cedar Rapids opera this past January where he covered the role of Pandolfe.
He has also worked with the American Institute of Music Studies in Graz, Austria as well as the CoOperative program hosted at Rider university. John also has an intense passion for pedagogy, and since moving to Pennsylvania has joined the faculty at Philadelphia Piano Institute teaching voice to a wide demographic of Philadelphia locals with a passion for singing. He has greatly enjoyed Philadelphia and creating art in this beautiful city. He is currently in the studio of Dr. Marcus Deloach.