“a voice described as “rich,” “heroic,” and emotionally powerful, tenor Jake Thomason has captivated audiences across the globe ”
With a voice hailed as “rich,” “full,” and “heroic,” tenor Jake Thomason has captivated audiences across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on opera, musical theater, concert, recital, and oratorio stages. His journey in music is one of passion, power, and perseverance—a journey that began in earnest in 2009 when he took on the challenging role of Ferrando in Mozart’s Così fan tutte at the Lyric Opera Studio of Weimar in Germany. This performance was the spark that ignited a blazing career, leading him to deliver powerful performances that have resonated deeply with listeners ever since.
Last season, Jake continued to enchant audiences as a featured soloist in two concerts with renowned organizations in Mobile, Alabama. His rendition of “Oh Holy Night” was met with awe, his voice soaring through the venue with a blend of grace and grandeur. His versatility as an artist was further showcased when he joined GLOW Lyric Theater in a stirring performance of Poul Ruders’ operatic adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Thomason brought a haunting vitality to the stage, his voice embodying the complex emotions and themes of this modern classic.
“..his voice soaring through the venue with a blend of grace and grandeur.”
Over the years, Thomason’s repertoire has expanded to include a wide array of compelling roles. He embodied the tortured passion of Massenet’s Werther in a concert version of the opera, delivering the title role with a raw emotional depth that left audiences breathless. His portrayal of Lippo Fiorentino in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene with the Harrower Opera Workshop in 2013 was a testament to his skill in conveying both the light and shadow of his characters. Thomason’s talent shone through in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar as Annas, and in the title role of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, where his Aeneas resonated with heroic gravitas. In Gounod’s Faust with Mosaic-Arts in partnership with Opera Carolina, he brought the character’s inner conflict to life, mesmerizing the audience with his vocal and dramatic prowess.
Jake’s artistry has also been recognized in prestigious competitions. In 2014, he advanced to the regional level of the SC NATSAA competition, demonstrating his vocal excellence amidst fierce competition. As a finalist in the Heafner-Williams competition in 2020 and semi-finalist in 2021, and the winner of the tenor category in the 2022 Marker and Pioneer competition, Thomason’s performances have been celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotional authenticity.
“ ..he continued to explore the depths of the human spirit through music...”
His concert appearances are equally impressive, featuring collaborations with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, the Spartanburg Philharmonic, and the South Carolina Bach Organization. In Robbiate, Italy, at the Brugnatelli Singing and Conducting Symposium, Thomason’s performances were marked by their dynamic energy and interpretative depth. He has also been a cherished soloist in numerous church concert orchestras, where his voice has added a divine element to sacred music.
Last season, Jake Thomason embarked on a new chapter, taking on the dual role of music director and performer for Center Stage’s production of All is Calm. Here, he continued to explore the depths of the human spirit through music, crafting experiences that resonate with audiences long after the final note has been sung. With more performances to be announced, Thomason’s journey promises to be a compelling story of artistry, passion, and the unrelenting pursuit of musical excellence.
Testimonials
Brendan McMahon
“Jake is an excellent music director - we worked on an a cappella musical, something I had not done before or was used to, and he helped me learn and grow tremendously as an actor and singer.”
“Jake Thomason is a fantastic music director! Easy to work with, friendly, approachable, and focused. He brought positive, supportive energy into rehearsal while also appropriately challenging us to meet the demands of the production. He made informed decisions in terms of vocal assignments to make sure everyone was comfortable and engaged. Rehearsals were always a wonderful balance between fun and productive. He opened feedback from all in order to improve on his approach, and applied any feedback given effectively and quickly. He made sure to check in with the cast at every stage to ensure people felt supported and comfortable. I would recommend Jake for your music direction needs in a heartbeat! He is knowledgeable but accessible, and a wonderful collaborator.”
Andy Lecture
Joey Plyler
“I had the pleasure of working with Jake in Centre Stage’s production of All is Calm in 2023.The show utilized the very complicated and beautiful music of the time period to help tell its story, and Jake was a wonderful help in understanding the different parts of the music so we as an ensemble could perform it with the emotion and skill it demanded. He also taught me several ways to take care of my voice, which I still use to this day to keep my voice in shape for my performances. He has a great understanding of music and a passion in explaining it that makes it a joy to learn; I know I am a better singer through his help.
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“Jake was very professional & organized with his work. His music direction was fantastic, and the time he took to work with each actor individually really showcased during our show. He ensured all recordings from rehearsals were uploaded in a timely manner and was willing to take time out of his day outside of rehearsal if actors needed more help with their vocal work. He was also a very attentive production member and was willing to go the extra mile for the interest of the show. He was a delight to work with and it would be an absolute privilege to work with him again.”
Eilidh McKinnon