“The most splendid vocal quality came from Chad Kranak’s Cavaradossi, a verismo tenor with special challenges (sitting blindfolded on the ground warbling “E lucevan le stelle”.) The voice was virile, the movements confident, a highly attractive Cavaradossi for an actress like Tosca.”
photo by Russ Rowland
Chad Kranak, Armenian-American tenor, praised for his "lyrical eloquence and attractive lyric sound" by Opera News, is known for the musicality and vulnerability he brings to the stage. He is a lirico spinto tenor who has sung such leading roles as Cavaradossi (Tosca), Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly), Don Jose (Carmen), Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi), and Bacchus (Ariadne auf Naxos).
Equally comfortable on the concert stage, Chad has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and has covered a wide range of composers from Bach to Beethoven. Highlights include Mozart’s Requiem, numerous Bach Cantata 153, the Rachmanioff Vespers, and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. As a proponent of new works as well, he has premiered pieces by many composers including Thea Musgrave, Alex Weiser, Trevor Weston, Paula Kimper, and Mark Hayes.
“Tenor Chad Kranak stood out in “Comfort ye my people” for a sound that was full enough to soar over the orchestra but always warm and mellow. One especially admired how, even through the extended melismas of “Ev’ry valley shall be exalted” his pitch was always centered and true.”
Previoius credits include Cavaradossi in Tosca with both Heartbeat Opera and New Rochelle Opera, Bacchus in Ariadne auf Naxos with Barn Opera, Luzio in Wagner's Das Liebesverbot with the Cambridge Chamber Ensemble, Paulo in Rachmaninov's Francesca da Rimini with Garden State Opera, Handel’s Messiah with Sequoia Symphony and DICNY, the rarely performed Russian work Passion Week by Maximilian Sternberg. He also had the unique opportunity to perform with Madonna in her surprise Met Gala performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as being a dancer in Mark Morris’ production of Benjamin Britten’s the rarely performed opera Curlew River at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
“Chad Kranak is an exceptionally likable Cavaradossi, delivering the high notes with strength and burnished lyric clarity.”
Originally from San Jose, California, Chad is now based in Brooklyn, New York where he spends his time building and riding bikes and refining his woodworking and leatherworking skills.