Biography

Jonathan Walker-VanKuren, tenor & educator              

African American educator and tenor, Jonathan Walker-VanKuren has enjoyed a successful career both on and off the operatic stage performing works of the jazz, musical theatre, art song, and opera repertoires while having taught students from all around the country. His students have continued on to study music at institutions such as Texas A&M, Michigan State University, and Belmont University while then moving on to pursue careers in musical theatre, opera, and popular music in the recording industry. Most recently Mr. Walker-VanKuren was seen as Thamar in Opera Southwest’s revival production of Ali Baba as well as the Witch (Hansel and Gretel), Don Jose (La tragédie de Carmen), Fenton (Falstaff), Nelson (Porgy and Bess), and Beppe (Il Pagliacci).

During the 2019-2020 season Mr. Walker-VanKuren premiered his solo voice recital entitled, “Songs my mother taught me…” which is a celebration of African American History through spirituals sponsored by Fort Worth Opera. As a recitalist, he prides himself on his interpretation of art songs and the stories they portray. Additionally, Mr. Walker-VanKuren loves African American Spirituals and is a strong proponent of their inclusion in classical recitals. As a soloist, Mr. Walker-VanKuren’s performances have included singing the tenor solo in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (Livingston Symphony Orchestra), Haydn’s Paukenmesse, and Carter’s Cantata, among others. 

Mr. Walker-VanKuren holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Music degree from Michigan State University, and an Artist Diploma in Voice from Texas Christian University under the tutelage of Dr. James Rodriguez. 

Mr. Walker-VanKuren is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice and Artist Teacher of Studio Voice and Music Theatre at Lebanon Valley College while also maintaining an active recital and operatic performing schedule.