Jay Carter
Countertenor
New England Finalist, 2008

American countertenor Jay Carter is quickly gaining recognition as one of the nation's finest, lauded for his "luminous tone" and "stylish interpretations," especially in the music of Handel, Bach, and Purcell. As a tenor he originally trained with Arnold Epley at William Jewell College and in recent seasons has championed the countertenor repertoire. 

Carter became the first of his voice type to appear with the Independence Messiah Choir in its distinguished four generation history under the baton of conductor Simon Carrington, and again that role under the baton of Sir Philip Ledger. Equally at home in the modern recital and concert repertoire, he has gained acclaim and recognition for his recitals of modern classics typically outside the standard countertenor repertory by composers such as Brahms, Britten, and Hahn.

Recent appearances include Staged Madrigals from Monteverdi's Book's VII and VIII, Handel's Messiah and Saul, Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri, numerous Bach Cantatas, Bernstein's Missa Brevis and Chichester Psalms, music celebrating the Tercentenary of Marc-Antoine Charpentier at Yale University, and frequent appearances in recital and lecture.  Upcoming appearances include Handel's Messiah with Helmuth Rilling; Bach's Weinachts Oratorium (Louisville Bach Society); and in the title role of Handel's Solomon (Baroque Artists Champaign Urbana); and Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 (Yale Schola Cantorum). In recent seasons Carter has appeared with with noted conductors Helmuth Rilling, Simon Carrington, Sir Philip Ledger, Arnold Epley, Chester Alwes, and Owen Burdick and with numerous other ensemble throughout New England and the Midwest.
  
In addition to concert performances and recitals Carter is also increasingly in demand as a guest lecturer on countertenor technique and repertory, frequently giving interactive lecture recitals and masterclasses for schools, universities and fine arts organizations. Selected as the Louise E. McClain Scholar for the 2007-2008 academic year at Yale University's Institute of Sacred Music he studies voice with James Taylor and Ted Taylor.

Visit Mr. Carter's website.

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