Biographies
Please feel free to utilize the biographies below at your discretion, as they have all been approved by Jake.
500 Word:
Hailed for his “rich,” “full,” and “heroic” voice, tenor Jake Thomason has established himself as a captivating presence in the world of music. From the grand stages of opera to the intimate settings of recitals, his performances have left an indelible mark, showcasing his passion, power, and perseverance. The roots of his vibrant career took hold 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 transformative experience marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, igniting a flame that would lead him to enchant audiences worldwide.
In the 2023 season, Jake continued to mesmerize listeners as a featured soloist in two acclaimed concerts in Mobile, Alabama. His rendition of the holiday classic “Oh Holy Night” left the audience in awe, soaring through the venue with a harmonious blend of grace and grandeur. The season also saw him join GLOW Lyric Theater for a powerful portrayal in Poul Ruders’ operatic adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. His performance resonated with haunting vitality, bringing to life the complex emotions and themes that permeate this modern classic.
Jake’s diverse repertoire encompasses a wide array of roles that demonstrate his spectrum as an artist. His portrayal of the tortured romantic hero in Massenet’s Werther in a concert version left audiences captivated by the raw emotional depth he provided. Meanwhile, his performance as Lippo Fiorentino in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene with the Harrower Opera Workshop in 2013 showcased his ability to navigate both the comedic and serious aspects of his characters. Jake’s talent was further exemplified in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar as Annas, as well as in the title role of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, where he imbued Aeneas with a sense of heroic gravitas. His participation in Gounod’s Faust alongside Mosaic-Arts and Opera Carolina highlighted his ability to portray complex inner conflicts, mesmerizing audiences with both vocal and dramatic prowess.
Thomason’s artistry has not gone unnoticed in competitive circles. He demonstrated his vocal excellence by advancing to the regional level of the SC NATSAA competition in 2014. He has also been celebrated as a finalist in the Heafner-Williams competition in 2020, a semi-finalist in 2021, and as the tenor category winner in the highly competitive 2022 Marker and Pioneer competition, showcasing his technical brilliance and emotional authenticity.
His impressive concert appearances include collaborations with esteemed organizations such as the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, the Spartanburg Philharmonic, and the South Carolina Bach Organization. Jake’s performances at the Brugnatelli Singing and Conducting Symposium in Robbiate, Italy, were marked by dynamic energy and interpretative depth, further solidifying his reputation as an exceptional tenor. Additionally, he has often shared his talent in sacred music, enriching church concert orchestras with his divine vocal offerings.
In the latest season, Jake Thomason has embarked on a new endeavor as both music director and performer in Center Stage’s production of All is Calm, where he continues to explore the depths of the human spirit through music. With more performances on the horizon, Jake’s journey promises to unfold as a compelling narrative of artistry, determination, and an unyielding pursuit of musical excellence that will inspire and resonate with audiences for years to come.
100 word:
Tenor Jake Thomason has captivated global audiences with his “rich,” “full,” and “heroic” voice, making a significant impact on opera and musical theater stages. His professional journey ignited in 2009 with the role of Ferrando in Mozart's Così fan tutte at the Lyric Opera Studio in Weimar, Germany. Recently, he enchanted listeners with his soaring rendition of “Oh Holy Night” in Mobile, Alabama, and delivered a poignant performance in GLOW Lyric Theater’s adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale. Recognized in prestigious competitions and acclaimed for his dynamic performances, Thomason continues to explore the depths of music while pursuing new artistic endeavors.
50 Word:
Tenor Jake Thomason, known for his “rich” and “heroic” voice, has enchanted global audiences since his debut as Ferrando in Mozart's Così fan tutte in 2009. Recently, he captivated listeners with “Oh Holy Night” and a powerful performance in The Handmaid’s Tale, continuing to explore new artistic endeavors.