Hailed by the New York Times as ‘a robust baritone’, and winner of the prestigious 35th Oratorio Society of New York Vocal Competition, Canadian baritone Jonathan Estabrooks continues to make a unique and rich contribution to the performing arts world. His vocalism and performance style have been called “commanding, rich, fresh and energetic”, his stage presence likened to that of a young Ron Howard. Upcoming performances include the role of Ben in Menotti’s ‘The Telephone’ in Richmond, Virginia in April and his debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in a program of Rodgers and Hammerstein with conductor Steven Reineke and Broadway stars Ashley Brown and Aaron Lazar. He recently completed work on the World Premiere of Andy Teirstein’s new Opera, ‘A Blessing on the Moon’, at the 2012 Hutzpah Festival in Vancouver and principal photography on the film ‘The Bohemians’ with director Jose Cuartes and Bravo Lozano Productions in the role of Schaunard.
A graduate of The Juilliard School in New York City, Mr. Estabrooks has appeared in recital, concert and opera in Canada, the United States and abroad. He appeared with the New York Festival of Song’ ‘NYFOS NEXT’ series alongside composers Joseph Thalken, Peter Foley and Sam Davis, and Broadway legend Rita Gardner. He was heard as part of ‘The Song Continues 2012′ masterclass series with Marilyn Horne at Carnegie Hall and made his Opera Lyra Ottawa debut as Silvio in I Pagliacci to rave reviews, This season has seen multiple debuts including with the Canadian Chamber Orchestra of New York and the Greenwich Choral Society performing Finzi’s ‘In Terra Pax’ and the World Premiere of ‘Always and Forevermore’ by Rob Mathes.
He was Artist-in-Residence at the Conductors Retreat in Medowmak and was a featured soloist for the ‘Broadway Sensations’ Gala at Alice Tully Hall. He was heard in recital at the Society of the Americas in New York City and concerts in Virginia, Tennessee and Miami Beach. He joined pianist Steve Blier and singers Kelli O’Hara and Joseph Kaiser for the New York Festival of Song Spring Gala in April at Carnegie Hall and in November and in December 2010, as Belcore on a 20-city tour with the Jeunesses Musicale du Canada, performing to critical acclaim in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces.
Mr. Estabrooks had an equally busy 2009/10 Season starting with the American Premiere of ‘Sierra’ by Robert Erickson for the 2009 FOCUS Festival. He debuted both the role of Tarquinius in The Rape of Lucretia in New York, Pelleas in L’impressions de Pelleas with the International Vocal Arts Institute in Israel and Guglielmo with Pocket Opera of New York and appeared with the Isreali Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Metropolitan Conductor Paul Nadler. He gave a recital at the Canadian Consolate in New York City for ambassadors and members of the United Nations, debuted The Five Mystical Songs with the Hunter College Orchestra and choir, and appeared in concert for the National Arts Center Debut Recital series in Ottawa, Canada. He performed as a featured artist for the New York Festival of Song Gala at Carnegie Hall, alongside such acclaimed singers as Judy Kaye, Kate Baldwin and Terri White. He was a two time finalist in the Brian Law Opera Competition and last summer performed recitals in Virginia and made his debut as Smirnov in William Walton’s The Bear in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Mr. Estabrooks has garnered an impressive list of principal and lead roles for which he has received much acclaim along with the admiration and respect of his peers, including Guglielmo in Cosi fan Tutte, Papageno in The Magic Flute, Shaunard in La Boheme, Belcore in L’elisir D’amore, Pelleas in L’impressions de Pelleas, Tarquinius in The Rape of Lucretia and Smirnov in The Bear.
Other highlights include his debut with National Arts Center Orchestra under the baton of Pinchas Zukerman, and featured in performances with The New York Chamber Virtuosi, The Kennett Symphony, the Ethical Culture Society of New York, the Chautauqua Institute of Music Festival, The Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts and New York City Center. His performances have also been broadcast throughout Canada on CBC Television. He has also performances for the Governor General, The Prime Minister of Canada, the US Ambassador to Canada, The Italian Ambassador to Canada and President Bill Clinton.