Robert Cantrell, Bass-Baritone, Has Been Described by the Baltimore Sun As a Deeply Expressive

Robert Cantrell, Bass-Baritone, has been described by the Baltimore Sun as “A deeply expressive, rich, plangent Bass-Baritone,” and Washington Post critic, Joseph McLellan mentioned Cantrell “ has a warm supple voice that brought out the lyrical intentions of the composers making them treasured moments.” Cantrell is one of the most active bass-baritones in the Baltimore-Washington area who has performed in many different cities throughout the United States, Italy, Germany, France and Japan. Recent performance highlights include a solo recital on the Emmanuel United Church of Christ concert series, A Porgy and Bess concert on the Roth Concert Series in DC,Verdi Requiem with the Johns Hopkins Symphony, Brahms Requiem and Mendelssohns’ Elijah with the Easton Choral Arts, the role of King of Egypt in Verdi’s Aida with Annapolis Opera, and soloist on the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Family Concerts. Career highlights include his debut in the role of the Moorish Envoy in Massenet’s LeCid with the Washington National Opera starring legendary tenor Placido Domingo on PBS, the role of Gubetta in Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgiaopposite soprano, Renee Fleming, role of the First Nazarene in Strauss’ Salome with Deborah Voigt, his Carnegie Hall debut in Mozarts’ Requiem, the Metropolitan Opera Chorus, and his debut in Italy at the Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi in Handels’ Semele as the Priest and Somnus.

Furthermore, Cantrell has performed with the Baltimore Opera, Wolftrap Opera, Opera Delaware, Sarasota Opera, Opera Vivente, Washington Summer Opera and Opera Ebony. He has appeared as soloist with the Baltimore Symphony, Prince George’s Philharmonic, Baltimore Concert Artists, Baltimore Choral Arts, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Loudon Symphony, York Symphony, Columbia Pro Cantare, Deer Creek Chorale, Easton Choral Arts, Baltimore Masterworks Chorale, MidAtlantic Symphony, and the Handel Choir of Baltimore. Upcoming engagements include an Opera Gala with the Prince George’s Philharmonic, BrahmsRequiem with the U.S. Naval Academy, and Vaughan Williams’ Dona NobisPacem with the Baltimore Choral Arts.

Mr. Cantrell is on the voice faculty at the Baltimore School for the ARTS and at the Washington National Operas’ Summer Institute for Young Singers.