Maestro Honoris Causa
Vocal
By honoring Michael Chance as Maestro Honoris Causa, we not only honor an artist of exceptional level, but also a pedagogue and a cultural entrepreneur who has been and still is a great example for many in the opera world. Within the vocal department of KC, Michael has brought several opera productions to the stage, through which he has guided many of our students in their first roles in opera. But perhaps even more importantly, he has introduced them to his working method, characterized by thorough research, endless imagination and creativity, pragmatism, and entrepreneurial spirit. These core values align seamlessly with the pedagogical vision of the Royal Conservatoire, and therefore we are grateful and proud that Michael Chance has already been associated with our institution for 25 years.
As a countertenor, Michael has an impressive career with opera roles in works from Monteverdi to Tan Dun. He is the founder of the Grange Festival in Hampshire. In 2001, he started at the Royal Conservatoire as an Early Music specialist. His role grew into that of initiator and creator of various memorable opera performances, in collaboration with the musicians of the Early Music Department. That this year, for the first time, the Jazz department is also participating in the production, is seen as a new step in the opera tradition that Michael has established within the KC.
