Soloists
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Ryan Belongie |
Countertenor Ryan Belongie is quickly becoming known to Chicago audiences through his solo work with some of Chicago’s most well respected musical organizations. In addition to his numerous appearances with Music of the Baroque, with whom he appeared as featured soloist in Handel’s Judas Maccabeus and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Mr. Belongie has appeared as a soloist with the Grant Park Music Festival in Bernstein’s Missa Brevis under the baton of Christopher Bell. He was the alto soloist with the St. Clement Orchestra and Chorus in the group’s 31st annual performances of Handel’s Messiah, and has also appeared as a soloist with the William Ferris Chorale, Janus Ensemble, Elgin Choral Union, First St. Paul’s Orchestra, and First Congregational Church of La Grange Orchestra. Other solo appearances include Bach’s Magnificat and Cantata No. 6, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Missa Brevis, Handel’s Messiah, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, and Vivaldi’s Gloria and Stabat Mater.
Mr. Belongie studied at Northwestern University, where he was a student of Karen Brunssen. In 2007, he won second place in the Central Region of the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions, and in 2008 he was a national semi-finalist in the Oratorio Society of New York Solo Competition.