Jonathan Walker-VanKuren - Songs My Mother Taught Me

African American tenor and educator, Jonathan Walker-VanKuren has dedicated himself to delivering the highest level of musicianship and storytelling on and off the operatic stage performing works of jazz, musical theatre, art song, and opera having had his first professional experience with Opera Santa Barbara. Mr. Walker-VanKuren is an avid recitalist focusing on delivering African American Spirituals and promoting their inclusion in the classical music repertoire. Through this initiative he has created a recital, "Songs my mother taught me.." a celebration of Black History through spirituals. Mr. Walker-VanKuren is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice & Artist Teacher of Studio Voice and Music Theatre at Lebanon Valley College while also maintaining an active recital and operatic performing schedule.

Jonathan Walker-VanKuren shares from his recital "Songs my mother taught me..." that celebrates African American history through song. This recording is of his most recent performance in Fort Worth for Black History Month. He has lived in Santa Barbara for a year while in residency at Opera Santa Barbara and has so many positive things to say about my experiences in such an inclusive city. Learn more at jonathanvankuren.com.