Grammy-winning tenor Aaron Blake has joined King University as an Artist in Residence for the 2024-2025 academic year.

A graduate of the Juilliard School in New York and The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston, Blake has earned international recognition for his artistry. He is the recipient of the 2017 George London Foundation Award, and in 2022 was recognized with a Grammy award for his role as the High Priest of Amon in The Metropolitan Opera’s “Akhnaten.”  

At King, Blake will serve as an artistic advisor for the School of Arts & Sciences, hosting masterclasses and vocal instruction for students. He will also offer recitals in collaboration with the Institute for Faith & Culture, events which will be open to the public.

“Art, both visual and performance-based, has the capability to profoundly and positively impact a community through its ability to inspire and facilitate meaningful interdisciplinary connections,” Blake said. “As artist in residence I look forward to taking part in and guiding these efforts at King.”

Highlights from Blake’s 2023-24 performance season include a return to the Metropolitan Opera for the new production of Bizet’s “Carmen,” as well as to the Israeli Opera for their opening gala concert. He performs with the Los Angeles Symphony, and will portray the role of Don Ottavio in “Don Giovanni” with The Cincinnati Opera. Next season, in addition to concert and recital work, Blake will return to the Metropolitan Opera for two productions including the Met Live in HD broadcast of “The Tales of Hoffman” on Oct. 5, 2024, and later Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.”

“Anyone who has met Aaron knows he possesses an immense generosity of spirit,” said Matt Roberts, Ed.D., provost of King. “He teaches from a place of authenticity and deep connection, working to help others find their voice and steward their gifts. We’re very fortunate to welcome him to King and look forward to working with him in the coming year.”