Musicians

Acclaimed for his versatility in both opera and concert, American tenor WILLIAM FERGUSON is acknowledged as one of today’s most promising young artists.

In 2006, the Richmond, Virginia native made his debut with the Santa Fe Opera as Caliban in the North American premiere of Thomas Adès’ The Tempest, and in 2005, he bowed in Sydney with Opera Australia singing Truffaldino in a new production of The Love for Three Oranges directed by Francesca Zambello and conducted by Richard Hickox (subsequently released on compact disc under the Chandos label). The same year, Ferguson joined the roster of The Metropolitan Opera where he has performed Beppe in I Pagliacci as well as roles in Le Nozze di Figaro and The Magic Flute (under the baton of James Levine). A regular artist at The New York City Opera, his performances have included the title role in Candide, Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, and Hérisson de Porc-Épic in L’Étoile among others. Additional credits include Andres in Wozzeck with Opera Festival of New Jersey, Ferrando in Così fan tutte at The Aspen Music Festival, Frederic in Pirates of Penzance with Virginia Opera and Opera Omaha, the title role in Albert Herring directed by Lotfi Mansouri at The Music Academy of the West, Gonzalve in L’Heure Espagnole and Fenton in Falstaff at the Tanglewood Music Center (both with Seiji Ozawa), and Peter Quint in The Turn of the Screw at the Chautauqua Institution.

A compelling interpreter of new music, Mr. Ferguson sang Bentley Drummle in Dominick Argento’s Miss Havisham’s Fire at Opera Theatre of St. Louis and performed in the world premiere productions of Anthony Davis’ Wakonda’s Dream with Opera Omaha, and Robert Aldridge’s Elmer Gantry with Peak Performances at Montclair. While in St. Louis, Ferguson sang the role of Hippolyte in Rameau’s Hippolyte et Aricie as a last minute replacement earning a review in Opera News stating that he sang “with grace, and striking self-possession.” He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music degree from The Juilliard School.

A passionate concert and recital performer, Mr. Ferguson has appeared with The American Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (England), Houston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra of New York, Oratorio Society of New York, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and Radio Filharmonisch Orkest (Netherlands); as well as the local symphony orchestras of Bellingham, Richmond, Wheeling, and Winston-Salem. His repertoire ranges from that of the baroque masters to the difficult cycles of Schubert, Schumann, Janácek, and Rorem—showcasing him across the United States in chamber programs and recitals for the 92nd Street Y, Bard Music Festival, Marlboro Music Festival, Young Concert Artists, Delaware Master Chamber Series, and Clarksville Community Concerts among others. Ferguson has performed extensively with The Marilyn Horne Foundation as well as The New York Festival of Song.

Mr. Ferguson has been the recipient of several awards and honors including First Place in the Oratorio Society of New York Solo Competition, The Elihu Hyndman Career Grant from Opera Theatre of St. Louis, The Judges’ Award in the Opera Index Competition, a Bagby Foundation Career Grant, and The Alan Weiler Award for Excellence presented by Opera Orchestra of New York. In 2003 he was awarded the Alice Tully Vocal Arts Debut Recital Award granting him a New York recital debut in Alice Tully Hall.

williamferguson.com