Ernest Alvarez '02

Tenor Ernest Alvarez concluded his studies at the Chapman University School of Music in 2002.  As a student, he performed the role of Tamino in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and appeared as soloist with the William Hall Master Chorale in addition to having the honor of singing for three United States presidents: former President George Bush, former President Gerald Ford and former President George W. Bush.

Mr. Alvarez was also awarded a full scholarship to participate in the 2003 Operafestival di Roma where he sang the lead role of Nemorino in Donizetti’s L'elisir d'amore.  At Chapman Mr. Alvarez was a student of Peter Atherton, DMA, who directs Opera Chapman.  Dr. Atherton has a regular faculty position with Operafestival di Roma each summer, and he sang the role of Dulcamara opposite his student in the 2003 summer production of L'elisir d'amore.  In 2002, Dr. Atherton performed the lead role in Mozart's Don Giovanni.

Mr. Alvarez’s more recent credits include Rodolfo (La Bohème) in Urbania, Italy in addition to a number of roles with Opera Pacific: Sargente (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Parpignol (La Bohème), the Messenger (Samson et Dalila), and Prince of Persia (Turandot).  In fact, his portrayal of Parpignol was praised by Classical Voice as being “very colorful” and “sung … in a fine big tenor”.  Also at home on the musical theatre stage, Mr. Alvarez interpreted the role of Beadle Bamford (Sweeney Todd) at the El Camino Center for the Arts to the acclaim of the Daily Breeze: “Beadle Bamford (Ernest Alvarez) had a soaring tenor voice with great use of comedic timing when called for.”  In the summer of 2007, he attended the Music Academy of the West where he studied with internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano Marilyn Horne. This summer he will revisit the role of Rodolfo under the tutelage of Vinson Cole as part of the 60th Anniversary season of the prestigious Aspen Music Festival.

His special awards include a study grant given by the Young Musicians Foundation, scholarship from the Opera 100 organization at Leisure World, and finalist in the 2003 Palm Springs Opera Guild competition.  Currently, Mr. Alvarez is a premier soloist at the Crystal Cathedral where his solo performances have been internationally televised.

More information on Ernest Alvarez can be found at http://www.ernestalvarez.net

Ernest Alvarez (left) in "Barber of Seville"