Steven Kirby

Illustrious Baritone Steven Kirby, praised for his “solid presence” and “mellifluous tone” (OperaWire, TheaterScene.net), brings an enthusiasm for opera, oratorio, and musical theater like none other. A Springfield, MA native now based in Harlem, NY, Mr. Kirby has captivated audiences across the United States and Europe with his compelling performances. 

His operatic repertoire includes standout roles such as Captain Dick Scott in the world premiere of Nicolas Flagello’s Beyond the Horizon (Teatro Grattacielo); Sam in Trouble in Tahiti, Yamadori in Madama Butterfly (Houston Ebony Opera); Jack in H. Leslie Adams’ Blake, George Floyd in The Martinsville 7 (Trilogy Opera); Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors (Camerata NY Orchestra); Colas in Bastien und Bastienne, Talpa in Il Tabarro (Garden State Opera); Porgy in Porgy and Bess (Utah Festival Opera); Kaspar in Der Freischütz (New Jersey Concert Opera); and Dr. Bartolo in Le nozze di Figaro (Brevard Music Center). He has also sung Guglielmo in Così fan tutte, Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Zuniga in Carmen. In musical theater, Mr. Kirby’s portrayal of Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime the musical (Columbia University) received critical acclaim. His additional credits include Pirates of Penzance (Samuel), Kiss Me, Kate, Candide, West Side Story, Show Boat, and The Most Happy Fella. 

Equally at home in the oratorio and concert repertoire, Mr. Kirby has been praised as “thrillingly incandescent” and “brilliant beyond belief” in performances of Orff’s Carmina Burana (Ars Choralis), Bach’s Magnificat (The UNSUNG Collective), Handel’s Messiah (Orchestra of St. Luke’s), Beethoven’s Mass in C (Clemson University), Mozart’s Vesperae solennes de confessore (Ars Choralis), and A Canon for Racial Reconciliation a new work by Isaac Cates and Nicolas Reeves with Portland, Oregon’s Capella Romana. He has earned accolades for his mastery with Harlem Chamber Players and Ars Choralis.  

Mr. Kirby continues to expand his artistic horizons, striving to bring new interpretations to the timeless works of the classical canon. With a career spanning multiple genres and a dedication to artistic excellence, Mr. Kirby continues to move and inspire audiences with his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. 

Dedicated to sharing his knowledge and skills, Mr. Kirby teaches at Frank Sinatra High School of Performing Arts, where he enjoys teaching voice, conducting The Songbook Singers Choir, and being the artistic director of the Opera Workshop, designing productions, selecting repertoire and conducting performances with orchestra. He's also lent his expertise to the Young People's Chorus of New York City, serves as an assistant conductor for the New York City All City High School Chorus, conducting on prestigious stages such as David Geffen Hall. Mr. Kirby maintains a private voice studio in New York City. He earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees from Westminster Choir College solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field of music education and voice performance.