Praised for his “exquisite, almost ethereal tone quality,” (Vocal Arts Chicago) and “strong dramatic presence,” (San Diego Story) countertenor Michael Skarke is quickly amassing experience between opera, oratorio, and ensemble singing. He has been recognized with awards from the James Toland Vocal Arts Competition, the Young Texas Artists Competition, the MTNA National Finals, and the San Antonio Musical Club Competition, among others. Michael’s repertoire spans from the best of the Baroque – Cavalli, Monteverdi, Bach, and Handel - to modern standards including Ticheli, Dove, and Britten. Recent engagements for Michael include a solo feature on the Houston Chamber Choir’s world premiere recording of Daniel Knaggs’ Two Streams with 10-time GRAMMY® award winning producer Blanton Alspaugh, and a concert tour and recording of the world premiere arrangement of an all-men’s Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil with the GRAMMY® nominated PaTRAM Male Chorus in Jerusalem, Israel. Michael led the alto section of the Voces8 Scholars from 2020 to 2022 and is currently listed on the Seraphic Fire substitute list. In August, Michael will join the American Soloists Ensemble in Seoul, South Korea for the 140th anniversary of Korean American relations. Michael has had the privilege of working with Opera NEO, American Baroque Opera, Houston Bach Society, Illinois Bach Academy, and Haymarket Opera. In the coming months, Michael will make several exciting debuts including a mainstage debut as Ottone in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea with Haymarket Opera and as Alceste in the North American premiere of Vivaldi’s Ercole su’l Termodonte with Pacific Opera Project. 2022-23 will also see Michael performing with La Grande Bande, Ars Lyrica Houston, and Mercury Houston. Michael has two degrees in voice performance from Baylor University, where he studied with Dr. Robert Best. Sic’ Em Bears! Currently, Michael is studying with Professor Melanie Sonnenberg, who teaches at the University of Houston. When not performing, you might catch Michael playing golf, basketball, or spending time with his beautiful wife Jenny and baby girl, Clarke.