Mr. Respess is an active performer on the opera, oratorio, and recital stages. A former tenor, his performances include roles and solos from several works, including Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Handel’s Messiah, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Yeomen of the Guard, Bass’ The Promise, and the world premiere of Penny’s Felicity and Time. In 2000, Mr. Respess made the daring decision to pursue the countertenor voice and repertoire under the unparalleled leadership of Dr. Shirley Zielinski. Anticipated roles lie in the Baroque and Classical opera, specifically those of Handel, Rossini, and Mozart. He received his B.M. in Vocal Performance from Union University where he studied with Dr. Georgia Wellborn and Dr. Joseph Blass and a M.M. in Vocal Pedagogy at Belmont University. Mr. Respess has participated in masterclasses with Dr. Mozelle Clark Sherman, Julie Freeman, Julianne Baird, and Richard Miller. Other teachers include Cynthia Linton, Dr. Gerald Teachy, and Carolyn Cansler. He is currently studying with Dr. Keith Moore.

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