Nicholas Burns
COUNTERTENOR
From Vancouver, Canada, countertenor Nicholas Burns has been described as possessing a "thrilling voice" that "caresses the ear with its velvet" (Opera Canada, Le Devoir). A widely sought after soloist renowned for the sophisticated blend of musicality, sensitivity, and "dramatic intensity" (Olyrix) which he brings to both the concert and opera stages, his past interpretations have been described as "revolutionary" (Opera Canada). With recent highlights including solo appearances for Les Arts Florissants, L'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Tafelmusik, and Early Music Vancouver, Nicholas has quickly established himself as a singular and leading artist among North America's top baroque interpreters. On the opera stage, Nicholas has performed numerous Handel roles, including Cesare in Giulio Cesare, Bertarido in Rodelinda, Polinesso in Ariodante, and Lichas in Hercules. He also gave the world premiere of the opera L'Orangeraie by French composer Zad Moultaka.
He was a 2023 winner of the New York Oratorio Society competition at Carnegie Hall, as well as winning Les Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques, the Vancouver International Music Competition, and Edmonton Opera's Rumbold Vocal Prize.
For the 2024/25 season, Nicholas looks forward to his debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, as well as solo recitals with the Bulgarian State Opera and Opera San Miguel de Allende.