Biography
A bass vocalist of increasing demand who towers at an imposing and athletic 6’10”, Andrew Potter is a true Basso who has been welcomed by audiences and critics across the country for a larger-than-life stage presence with a voice to match.
“His lithe, powerful bass voice had both authority and beauty…” (M.D. Ridge, WHRO Radio, March 2014)
“Andrew Potter’s tour de force performance would stand tall on any of the biggest and best operatic stages in the world today. His huge, oily, black, genuine bass shook the rafters…” (Larry Kellum, Town Times, March 2016)
“Andrew Potter proved to be sensitive and appealing…” (James Sohre, Opera Today, July 2015)
“…a virile yet spry stage presence with sturdy, responsive and infectious singing. The guy owns the stage.” (Gerald Moshell, The New London Day, March 2016)
His athleticism and physicality on stage, along with his dramatic sense and character depiction, are not the only things to have earned him the praise of critics nationwide. Andrew has successfully performed roles spanning from sonorous profundo roles like Osmin in Die Entführung, to much more lyrical Bass-Baritone roles such as Escamillo in Bizet’s Carmen; a vocal range granting incredibly rare versatility make him stand out among the growing community of low voices.
“Despite this plethora of great vocalism from everyone, the one standout was Andrew Potter as Colline. He is of an almost extinct species…” (Larry Kellum, Town Times, May 2015)
In the early part of his career, Andrew was cast in mainstage roles at several prestigious programs such as Des Moines Metro Opera, St. Petersburg Emerging Artists, Opera Roanoke Apprentice Artists, and the Tyler Young Artist Program. He has since performed across the country proficiently demonstrating the vocal depth and sonority to sing such roles as Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, the range and physicality to perform buffo roles like Don Bartolo in Il barbiere di Siviglia and Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte; and the flexibility and agility to sing challenging Handelian roles including Zoroastro in Orlando, Ariodate in Serse, and Argante in Rinaldo.
The season ahead promises exciting role debuts for Andrew, such as Melchtal (Guilliaume Tell), Il Commendatore (Don Giovanni), Varlaam (Boris Godunov), Capitán (Florencia en el Amazonas), and Sparafucile (Rigoletto).
When this Barihunk™ isn’t on stage portraying the most sinister of villains, hilarious antagonists, or heartbroken royalties, he can most often be found mountain climbing among some of the nation’s most challenging peaks or enjoying any number of outdoor sports.