“Exciting is an apt description of this talented vocalist. Michael Manganiello… shook the floor with their powerful low notes.” Praised for their enviable resonance, crystalline diction, and stylistic prowess, vocalist Michael Manganiello focuses their solo and ensemble work on breaking down and analysing established preconceptions of identity and artistic expression. “They may be placed in the baritone bin, but they’re far more. That’s the issue with fachs – Michael defies them.” (OperaWire, 2023)

Michael’s performance and pedagogical interests include cross training in bel canto and contemporary commercial techniques (bel canto–can belto, as coined by Mary Saunders Barton), aural and aesthetic considerations in opera and musical theatre, applying music theory and musicianship to repertoire, cultivating somatic awareness, historically informed performance, voice science (Voce Vista), improvisation and ornamentation in baroque and contemporary styles, choral/ensemble singing, chamber music, and so-called “extended techniques.” As someone who has cross-trained in classical and contemporary commercial styles, they are a part of the generation of voice teachers who welcome students wishing to pursue an array of possible career paths, from The Met to Broadway to the recital stage to the recording studio, and many others. They perform regularly with their friend and collaborative pianist, Stephanie Baird, showcasing the duo’s innovative and thought-provoking recital programmes surrounding themes that examine the core of human experience.

Michael is also passionate about working with transgender singers, and programming beyond the gender binary in classical and contemporary vocal literature. As an active professional singer and educator who is transgender, they have first-hand experience with issues facing LGBTQ+ artists in the classical music world, and the immense amount of opportunity to educate, empower, be visible, and promote visibility and inclusion in the field.

Michael has appeared as an ensemblist and soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Baltimore Choral Arts Society, Peabody Renaissance Ensemble, NEXT Ensemble, the Choir of St. David’s, the Emmanuel Choir (Baltimore), QED Vocal Ensemble, Peabody Vocal Chamber Ensembles, Camerata di Sant’ Antonio, Opera Sacra, Buffalo Chamber Players, Western New York Chamber Orchestra, Women of Vivaldi, Vocális Chamber Choir, Buffalo Master Chorale, and Harmonia Chamber Singers. Michael is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Somatic Voicework™ Teachers Association, and was a participant in the 2015 Baroque Opera Workshop through the Institute for 17th Century Music at Queens College, the 2019 Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, the 2019 ARTEK Madrigal Madness workshop, and the 2021 Transgender Voices workshop series through Opera Programs Berlin.

Michael is currently a doctoral candidate at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where they study with Bill Sharp, Patrick O’Donnell, and Beth Willer. During their coursework, they served as a Student Engagement Intern at Peabody’s LAUNCHPad, working collaboratively with students and alumni to reach their professional and artistic goals. Michael graduated from Peabody in 2021 with a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, and from SUNY Fredonia in 2012, where they earned concurrent Bachelor’s degrees cum laude in Vocal Performance and Dance, with a minor in Visual Art/New Media.