RYAN F. BURNS, baritone, was recently named the 2012 Graduate Level Winner of the University of Connecticut Concerto Competition and was awarded the Angelo A. Saritelli Memorial Scholarship by the Bel Canto Vocal Scholarship Foundation. Regularly featured in UConn Opera Theater’s productions, Ryan performed the role of John Proctor in UConn Opera Theater’s production of The Crucible in Fall 2012, and the role of Papageno in Die Zauberflöte in Spring 2013. Additional credits with UConn Opera Theater include General Boum in La Grande Duchesse de Gérolstein and Maximilian in Candide. In 2011, Ryan was awarded the J. Louis von der Mehden Music Scholarship by the University of Connecticut and was selected to travel to Dublin, Ireland, to represent the University in an operatic scenes collaboration with the Dublin Institute of Technology – Conservatory of Music and Drama.
Ryan was selected as finalist in Connecticut Concert Opera’s 2012 American Opera Idol and competed in Opera Theater of Connecticut’s 2012 Amici Competition, receiving 2nd place in the Student Division. In 2011, Ryan was a Fellow at the CoOPERAtive Program at Westminster College, and performed as a member of the ensemble for Opera Boston’s Béatrice et Bénédict. In 2010, Ryan performed the role of Schaunard in La Boheme with the Capobianco Opera Studio, as part of the V.O.I.C.Experience Total Interpretation Project, under the direction of Maestro Tito Capobianco, and coached by renowned baritone, Sherrill Milnes.
Ryan’s other operatic credits include David in A Hand of Bridge, Ben in The Telephone, Father in Hänsel und Gretel, Frank in Die Fledermaus, and Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Non-operatic credits include solos with the Sounds of Stow Festival Chorus and Orchestra and the University of Connecticut Concert Choir, performing Mendelssohn’s Psalm 42 and Vom Himmel Hoch, as well as Mozart’s Vesperae solemnes de confessore.
Ryan completed his Bachelor of Arts in 2007 from Saint Anselm College and his Master of Music in Vocal Performance in 2012 from the University of Connecticut. He continues his studies there this year in pursuit of a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance, having received a full-tuition graduate assistantship. He is a student of soprano, Dr. Constance Rock. www.ryanfburns.com.