Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Operations Manager

“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 is an “unstoppable creative force” who focuses their work on breaking down and analyzing 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 is currently on the faculty of the Peabody Preparatory, and a doctoral candidate at the Peabody Conservatory, where they study with Bill Sharp, Beth Willer, and Patrick O’Donnell. They work as a Teaching Assistant and Senior Peer Career Coach at the Peabody LAUNCHPad Office of Professional Studies, as well as Operations Manager for Opera Baltimore. 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. They perform regularly with their friend and collaborative keyboardist, Stephanie Baird, showcasing the duo's innovative programmes which push the boundaries of the song recital, inspired by 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 LGBTQIA+ 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 performed with Washington Bach Consort, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Baltimore Choral Arts Society, QED Vocal Ensemble, CERBERUS Chamber Ensemble, Peabody Renaissance Ensemble, NEXT Ensemble, Ignota Medieval Music Ensemble, Buffalo Chamber Players, Western New York Chamber Orchestra, Women of Vivaldi, and the Vocális Chamber Choir. Michael is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Somatic Voicework™ Teachers Association, and was a participant in the Baroque Opera Workshop through the Institute for 17th Century Music at Queens College, Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, ARTEK Madrigal Madness, and the Training Transgender Voices workshop Series through Opera Programs Berlin..