Michael St. Peter

Tenor, Michael St. Peter, is a Chicago native based in New York City known for his “warm, beautiful and true” singing (Chicago Classical Review). Michael’s career began at an early age with Chicago Opera Theatre and Lyric Opera of Chicago from 2004-2006, where he sang roles in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mustardseed), Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea (Amore) and performed as a member of the children’s ensemble in productions of Tosca, and Carmen.

This past 2019/2020 season, Michael was chosen to take part in the Wigmore Hall International Song Competition in London, England. He then made his debut with Haymarket Opera Company, singing the role of “Moore of Moore Hall” in a critically acclaimed revival of John Frederick Lampe’s The Dragon of Wantley.

In the 2018/2019 season, Michael made his Carnegie Hall debut as the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah under the baton of Mark Shapiro and the Cecilia Chorus of New York. He then performed with Tulsa Opera as Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Michael has a Bachelor’s Degree from The Juilliard School, and a Master’s Degree from Manhattan School of Music. He is also the recipient of Encouragement Awards from the Gerda Lissner Foundation Lieder/Song Competition, and took Second Prize at the 2018 McCammon Voice Competition. After many months of social distancing in NYC, Michael is thrilled to be back in his hometown working with HOC once again!

Don’t miss Michael as Acis in Acis and Galatea - Get your tickets now! 

Q&A with Michael St. Peter

Q: Tell us about your character in the upcoming film of Handel’s “Acis and Galatea.”

MSP: I'm singing the role of Acis. He's a mere mortal. A shepherd, actually. Oh, and he's crazy in love with Galatea.

Q: What do you love about the opera?

MSP: What I love most about this opera are Handel's incredible melodies, specifically in the arias between Acis and Galatea. The music is able to beautifully capture and convey the pureness of their love for each other. I also love the comedic capability that the character Polypheme has... what a drama queen.

Q: Is there something about your character or this opera that modern audiences can relate to?

MSP: I would say the most relatable thing about my character is that no matter what you do, sometimes life has a different plan for us. In Acis's case, that plan was being murdered by a giant cyclops. Perhaps in our case, this global pandemic is that giant murderous cyclops. The point is, no matter what situation life may throw at you, only you have the capability to pick up the pieces and make a happy ending out of it. Ya know... lemons to lemonade and all that.

Q: Favorite aria from the piece?

MSP: O ruddier than the Cherry! (An aria of Polyphemus, performed by Bass David Govertsen)

Q: What is it like to prepare for film? Are you ready for your close-up?

MSP: Quarantine has not been all that kind... maybe social distancing can apply to the cameras too?

Q: These operas center around a theme of transformation. How has the pandemic forced you to change? Have there been any silver linings?

MSP: This pandemic has really thrown me, and everyone I'm sure, for a loop. Although I've used this time to make certain changes and keep myself busy, I think the biggest change was learning how to be kinder to myself on those days when I don't really feel like getting out of bed or when it feels like the pandemic will last forever. Having your life and career as you knew it swept out from under you is a lot, but what it has taught me most of all is that change in inevitable and it's ok to work through your feelings as they come. Luckily, I've had many silver linings during this crazy time. To name a few; my partner and I will be moving in together soon and I couldn't be more excited, I'm now a very confident cook in the kitchen, and my family have all been safe and healthy since the start of the pandemic. This production is without a doubt the biggest silver lining of all, and I can't wait to make music with people together again.

Q: As it’s Haymarket’s 10th anniversary, do you have a favorite Haymarket memory?

MSP: Being asked to play a drunken fool on stage was a major highlight, but overall I'd have to say my favorite memories are being in staging rehearsals with the cast of Dragon of Wantley. We all had so much fun together!