David Kubiak

David Kubiak is a professor of classics at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind. He also pursues an active singing career. Last season he was the Levite in Handel’s Solomon for the Bloomington Early Music Festival. He can be reached at kubiakd@wabash.edu.

An All-American Star : Bass-Bariton Kyle Ketelsen

At first glance, Kyle Ketelsen may seem to have followed a conventional career path—a degree from Indiana University, a student of renowned teacher Giorgio Tozzi, and a winner of the Met National Council Auditions. His rise to international fame, however, has been anything but typical, as he shares in this Classical Singer exclusive. Ketelsen tells how six years in the National Guard gave him a different perspective on life, how he sacrifices to keep family a top priority, and about recent lifestyle changes he’s made to make sure he is always on his game.

Jun 01 David Kubiak

The Friends We Lost

News of the deaths of five Indiana University music students, killed in a private plane crash on a return flight to Bloomington after a rehearsal on April 20, shocked the classical singing community. Members of the Bach Chorale Singers of Lafayette were deeply affected by this tragedy. Contributing writer David Kubiak, a member of the ‘Bach Chorale,’ returns to CS to pay tribute to these five singers so tragically lost.

Jun 01 David Kubiak

Never Give Up : Jennifer Wilson

Recently featured in The New York Times as one of the newest “big” voices on the opera scene, Jennifer Wilson is receiving national acclaim. But Ms. Wilson’s “overnight” success has been anything but quick. It has come after many years of persistent dedication to her craft, and her determination to never give up.

Mar 01 David Kubiak

Embracing the Unexpected : An Interview with Kurt Ollmann

“There I am, at about 23, in The Rake’s Progress. We did it here at the old Skylight, where the orchestra was under the stage and you couldn’t see the conductor at all. Imagine singing that score under those circumstances.”

Nov 01 David Kubiak

Blythe Spirit

STEPHANIE BLYTHE calls herself “the most fortunate young artist on the planet,” and with good reason. Opera lovers are not known for their charity when assessing vocal talent, and even the most famous singers before the public today have aggressive detractors. But all the critics, both professional and amateur, seem to agree that Stephanie Blythe is blessed with a major instrument that she uses to potent effect in a repertoire ranging from her triumphant Cornelia in the Metropolitan’s recent Giulio Cesare to contemporary compositions like Richard Danielpour’s American Requiem.

Oct 01 David Kubiak

Winning the Metropolitan Opera Audition

In my second career as a singer I am fortunate to be a part of the Bach Chorale, a semi-professional chorus based in Lafayette, Indiana. Our director, William Jon Gray,

Mar 01 David Kubiak

An Operatic American in Paris

Bass-Baritone Alan Held advises Classical Singer readers on how to find happiness in the field of singing despite pressures of the business with eccentric production, traveling, and more. He also shares secrets of success in his two greatest roles: father and husband.

Nov 01 David Kubiak

The Generous Voice

Heldentenor James King enriches his listeners both when he sings and when he speaks. Here he imparts wisdom gained during an inspiring career.