Biography
Hailed for his “beguilingly sounding” (Opernwelt) voice and his “irrepressible playfulness” (Luzerner Zeitung) on stage, Baritone Shea Owens continues to be recognized for his artistry and vocal versatility. He was recently seen performing the role of The Pilot in Utah Opera’s production of The Little Prince, Mercutio in Central City Opera’s Roméo et Juliette, and the baritone soloist in Fauré’s Requiem with The Florida Orchestra.
Mr. Owens is a former ensemble member and soloist of Theater St. Gallen in Switzerland, where he was recently invited back to be the baritone soloist in Carl Orff’s Carmina burana. He also previously performed as the guest soloist with the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for their “Love Thy Neighbor” special event as well as the Chorale at Temple Square’s concert of Mac Wilberg’s Requiem. He has performed with other distinguished companies such as the Grand Théâtre de Genève in Switzerland, the Théâtre du Chátelet in France, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Along with traditional operatic and concert work, he especially enjoys the challenge and novelty of interpreting the works of contemporary composers, such as performing the role of Charlie in Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers alongside legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade. He has also recorded an album with his wife, soprano Madison Leonard, and pianist Artem Belogurov titled To the Thawing Wind: Songs of Paul Edward Gay, to be released at a future date.
Mr. Owens received his Bachelor of Music degree from Brigham Young University and his Master of Music degree from Rice University. Along with maintaining an active performing career, he currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera at Brigham Young University.
Education
- Master of Music (MM), Vocal Performance , Art Song, Opera, Rice University (2012)
- Bachelor of Music (BM), Vocal Performance , Brigham Young University (2010)
Honors and Awards
- Career Development Grant, Wolf Trap Opera (2017 - Present)
- Competition Winner, The William Matheus Sullivan Musical Foundation, Inc. (2015 - Present)
- Emerging Artist Award, Opera Index (2015 - Present)
- Career Grant Recipient, The Schuyler Foundation for Career Bridges (2012 - Present)
- Artist Award, BYU Phi Kappa Phi (2010 - Present)
- Career Grant Recipient, Oscarson Discovery Endowment (2010 - Present)
Memberships
- National Association of Teachers of Singing (2023 - Present)
- National Opera Association (2023 - Present)
- American Guild of Musical Artists (2013 - Present)
Professional Citizenship
- Guest Speaker, Alpine School District (2024 - 2024)
- Other, Faith Matters (2024 - 2024)
- Adjudicator, Utah Symphony (2024 - 2024)
- Other, Alpine School District Masterworks Series (2024 - 2024)
- Other, Sharon 3rd Ward Choir Fireside (2023 - 2023)
- Board Member, American Guild of Musical Artists (2019 - 2022)
- Other, Mayor of Orem (2022 - 2022)