Jacob Christopher

tenor

GRAPHIC DESIGN

MEMBER SINCE: 2016

HOMETOWN: Chippewa Falls, WI

EDUCATION: B.A., Vocal Performance, Luther College

Born and raised in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Jacob Christopher, tenor, began to cultivate his craft at a young age singing at the top of his lungs to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When people ask which parent he got his talent from, he is quick to respond: Donny Osmond.

Jacob began his professional career in Chicago where he sang with Music of the Baroque, Wicker Park Choral Singers, and as a chorister with the Lyric Opera of Chicago from 2010-2012. He premiered numerous art songs through Singers on New Ground, performed at Chicago’s iconic Green Mill Jazz Lounge, and has sung back-up vocals for Ben Folds (with the Minnesota Orchestra) and for The Judds (on the Oprah Winfrey Show).

Jacob moved to New York City in 2012 and was a founding member of Manhattan Chorale under the direction of Dr. Craig Arnold. Other New York appearances include Ragtime at Lincoln Center, the New York City workshop, Paper Mill Playhouse production, and Studio Cast Recording of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the award-winning production of The Christians (Off-Broadway debut) and in April 2016 Jacob made his Carnegie Hall debut accompanied by the New York City Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Richard Bjella. He is thrilled to be continuing his musical journey with Cantus this season!

GET TO KNOW JACOB

1. When did you know you wanted to sing professionally?

I knew I wanted to sing professionally after watching a production of Falstaff at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Three years later, I was offered a job in the chorus!

2. If you could commission any composer for Cantus (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?

I love female singer-songwriters, so I would love to work with Laura Marling or Sara Bareilles on a large format project.

3. What country would you most like to visit as a member of Cantus?

I would love to visit New Zealand and Australia.

4. What do you want people to know about Cantus?

That music has the power to transform and Cantus strives to create music that inspires, excites, and moves our audience.

5. What is your favorite hobby outside of singing?

Outside of singing I really enjoy graphic design work, reading, and, during the winter months, skating!

6. If you could hang out with any celebrity (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?

If I could guarantee I wouldn’t be bashful and awkward around them, I would definitely want to hang out with Beyoncé. And I know I’m not the only Cantusian to wish that.

7. If you had access to a time machine, when and where would you go?

I’d love to visit ancient Greece.

8. What is the most played album in your iTunes library?

Song for Our Daughter by Laura Marling.

9. What is your most memorable moment from a Cantus tour?

All of the singers running “Home Alone” style through the airport in Shanghai in order to make our flight home to the US after an incredibly tiresome but exciting tour. It’s fun to recall now because we all made it onto the flight. But I was SURE at least one of us would be left behind in China!

10. Share with us one of your greatest days ever.

April 11, 2016 — I was steaming my tux in preparation for my Carnegie Hall debut and got a call asking if I would like to be a member of Cantus. To me, that’s a pretty great day!