Biography of David Ekström, tenor

Praised for his "pure, trumpetlike voice" (Houston Press), David Ekström has been called a "budding heldentenor with a bright ringing tone and easy delivery." Seen recently as Pollione in Norma he was singled out for his "stentorian, impassioned work [which] impressed with consistency, accuracy and lack of strain.” (Houston Chronicle)

His other roles include Bacchus (Ariadne auf Naxos), Don José (Carmen), Judge Danforth (The Crucible), Max (Der Freischütz), Lope (Don Chisciotte in Sierra Morena), Normanno (Lucia di Lammermoor), Pollione (Norma), Male Chorus (The Rape of Lucretia), Samson (Samson et Dalila) and Siegmund (Die Walküre) with such houses as the Caramoor International Festival, Sarasota Opera, Bronx Opera and New York Chamber Opera.

Recent competition successes include Second Prize in the Liederkranz Foundation Awards for Voice (Wagnerian Division) and a study grant from the New York Wagner Society as well as an invitation to participate in the Seattle Opera's inaugural Competition for Wagnerian Voices.

Equally comfortable in the world of oratorio, Mr. Ekström’s solo performances include the world premiere of Hagemann’s opera-oratorio Ruth, Händel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Puccini’s Messa da Gloria, Dvorak’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Dixit Dominus, and Mendelssohn’s Christus. An ardent recitalist, he has participated for three consecutive years in the New York Singing Teachers’ Composers Concert, performing works by Gerald Ginsberg, Philip Hagemann, Daniel Sonnenberg and Hugo Weisgall.

David Ekström lives in New York City, where he studies voice with Mark Oswald.