“Kelly has full command of the material,

from every wink of a shoulder to a dramatic high note.”

I’m so glad you’re here.

With two decades of distinguished experience as a performer, educator, writer, and passionate LGBTQ+ activist, American baritone Michael Kelly has carved out a remarkable and multifaceted artistic career. His performances have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him accolades as a “mesmerizing” and “vocally splendid” artist. Michael has graced the stages of renowned international opera and orchestral companies, showcasing a diverse repertoire that spans numerous styles and historical periods. Notable venues that have hosted his artistry include Carnegie Hall, Geffen Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Wigmore Hall, and prestigious festivals such as Santa Fe Opera and Theatre du Châtelet, as well as partnerships with symphony orchestras across the United States. His contributions to the music world are further highlighted by his appearances on nine commercially released recordings.

Michael’s extensive repertoire, ranging from Baroque to contemporary works, has led him to collaborate with some of today's most celebrated composers, including Matthew Aucoin, Victoria Bond, Tom Cipullo, David Del Tredici, Mohammed Fairouz, John Glover, Ricky Ian Gordon, Martin Hennessy, Laura Kaminsky, Libby Larsen, Lowell Liebermann, David T. Little, Ben Moore, David Sisco, and David Wolfson. His European debut at Opernhaus Zürich in Handel’s Rinaldo with the illustrious William Christie marked a significant milestone, while his French debut at Opéra du Châtelet further showcased his international appeal. He has performed in opera, chamber, and symphonic works under the baton of distinguished conductors such as Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Christie, Andreas Delfs, Jane Glover, Benton Hess, Louis Langré, James Levine, Anne Manson, Nicholas McGegan, Steven Osgood, Leonard Slatkin, and Stephen Stubbs., demonstrating his versatility and artistic depth. In recital, he has partnered with acclaimed pianists including Bradley Moore, David Fung, Kathleen Kelly, Malcolm Martineau, Shannon McGinnis, Spencer Myer, Jonathan Ware and Brian Zeger, creating unforgettable musical experiences.

As a writer, Michael has had his words set to music by prominent composers, collaborating to create compelling art songs, concert works, and operatic pieces. He has worked with the likes of John Glover, Ben Moore, Matthew Ricketts, Kamala Sankaram, and David Sisco, with exciting projects on the horizon in collaboration with Laura Kaminsky and Tobias Picker. His role as a librettist and poet underscores his commitment to the evolution of contemporary vocal literature.

Beyond his performance career, Michael is dedicated to the art of teaching. Since 2004, he has maintained a private voice studio, nurturing singers of all levels and styles. His masterclasses at conservatories and universities emphasize vocal technique, style, and the intricacies of a sustainable career in the arts. As a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions such as Adelphi University, NYU, and SUNY Purchase, Michael inspires the next generation of artists and collaborates closely with student composers, guiding them in writing for the voice. He was a faculty member at SongFest in 2013 and currently serves as the Creative Director of RISE, a transformative training program for young professional classical singers.

In addition to his teaching, Michael co-founded and served as Artistic Director of SongFusion, a New York-based performance art ensemble that highlights song and collaborative programming across multiple art forms. He also curated the innovative digital concert series Room | to | Breathe, further showcasing his commitment to artistic exploration.

A fervent advocate for contemporary music, Michael frequently collaborates with living composers as a performer, poet, and librettist. He curated the baritone volume of art songs by living composers for NewMusicShelf’s Anthology of New Music, promoting the works of emerging talent. A proud graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Juilliard, Michael continues to inspire, educate, and perform, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music landscape.