Jim Williams

Mr. Jim Williams, a bass with a warm, resonant voice, is steadily making his mark in the classical music world. His journey reflects the dedication and artistry of a performer carving out a meaningful place in opera. With a solid foundation built at Oakwood University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, Jim has consistently honed his craft and sought opportunities to showcase his growing talents.

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During his time at Oakwood, Jim's vocal abilities earned him a place in the Grammy-nominated Aeolians, the university's respected choral ensemble. This experience provided valuable opportunities to perform alongside established artists such as Kathleen Battle, Take 6, and Richard Smallwood, while also allowing him to travel both nationally and internationally.

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Upon graduating in 2016, Jim set his sights on the vibrant Baltimore-Washington metro area. His Washington D.C. debut as Sarastro in Mozart's The Magic Flute with The IN Series marked a promising start to his professional journey. This performance, along with his portrayal of Figaro in the company's production of "Figaro in Four Quartets", allowed Jim to demonstrate his potential and begin establishing himself in the local opera scene.

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Jim's developing career has been punctuated by a series of meaningful engagements that highlight his growing capabilities. His tenure with the Washington National Opera Chorus represented a significant milestone, affording him the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Kennedy Center in productions such as Faust, Tosca, and Otello. This experience provided valuable insights into professional opera production and performance at a high level, contributing to his growth as an artist.

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Demonstrating versatility, Jim has taken on various roles that span the classical repertoire. His solo operatic performances include Sarastro in Mozart's The Magic Flute and Figaro in "Figaro in Four Quartets" with The IN Series, as well as the Second Armored Man in a concert version of "Die Zauberflöte" with Washington Opera Society. Jim has also gained valuable ensemble experience, joining the chorus for Maryland Lyric Opera's productions of Cavalleria Rusticana, Thaïs, and a concert production of Turandot. In the realm of musical theater, he performed as the Sergeant of Police in Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance with Young Victorian Theatre Company and as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls with Live Arts Maryland.

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Jim's artistic growth has also benefited from international experience. His participation in the Bel Canto in Tuscany program provided the opportunity to work with accomplished coaches and perform as a soloist with orchestra during concerts in Greve and Radda, Italy, broadening his perspective and refining his craft. In 2023, he made his international debut in the ensemble of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha, covering three different roles in the production.

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A significant milestone in Jim's career came in December 2023 with his first professional solo contract at Washington National Opera, one of the nation's premier opera companies. He covered the role of the Lion in Jeanine Tesori's The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me, understudying for renowned bass and Washington D.C. native, Solomon Howard. This engagement marked an important step forward in Jim's professional trajectory.

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Building on this success, Jim's role as The Emperor's Bodyguard in Beethoven's Fidelio with Washington National Opera represents another noteworthy achievement. This engagement, which features Jim alongside world-renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, signals his entry into more prominent roles on major stages.

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Jim's repertoire extends beyond opera, encompassing oratorio and concert works. He has been a featured soloist in performances of Handel's Messiah and has appeared with various local and state groups and organizations. In 2022, he participated in a series of outreach concerts in West Baltimore, honoring Anne Wiggins Brown, the first Bess of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Porgy and Bess.

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Currently, Jim serves as cantor, bass section leader, and soloist at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, while also contributing as a music educator and vocal coach. These roles complement his stage work, contributing to his development as a well-rounded musician.

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Jim's performance schedule demonstrates his growing presence in the classical music scene. In October, he appears as The Emperor's Bodyguard in Fidelio with Washington National Opera. November brings a performance as bass soloist in Beethoven's 9th Symphony with the NOVA-Annandale Symphony Orchestra, followed by the role of Ned in Morgan State University's production of Treemonisha. In December, he joins the Harford Choral Society as bass soloist for Telemann's Magnificat in C, and concludes the year with a performance as bass soloist in Handel's Messiah with Shiloh Baptist Church and orchestra. Each new role and performance

further solidifies Jim's position as a versatile and accomplished artist in the world of classical vocal performance.