Acclaimed for his "exquisite, almost ethereal tone quality" (Vocal Arts Chicago) and “sexy, strong countertenor" (Stage and Cinema LA), Michael Skarke is quickly making waves among the opera and ensemble scenes of the United States and abroad. Michael’s dedication to storytelling and performance practice have inspired his reputation as a “miraculous voice,” (Stage Raw LA) with “strong dramatic presence.” (San Diego Story)

Michael’s versatility as a performer shines through as he balances his role as an early music specialist with his regular performances of new music. Over the past few years, Michael has been featured as a soloist on groundbreaking premiere recordings produced by 11-time GRAMMY® award winner Blanton Alspaugh, including the Houston Chamber Choir’s recording of Daniel Knaggs' "Two Streams," and the arrangement of an all-men's rendition of Rachmaninoff's "All Night Vigil" with the GRAMMY® nominated PaTRAM Male Chorus in Jerusalem, Israel.

In previous seasons, Michael has performed with some of the leading opera companies in the States, including Pacific Opera Project, West Edge Opera, the American Baroque Opera Company, Opera NEO, Ars Lyrica Houston, and Haymarket Opera, where his performances as Ottone in Monteverdi’s Poppea were marked by Chicago Classical Review as “superb… somehow making this weak lovelorn character credible and appealing.”

In addition to his operatic efforts, Michael is an active member of internationally celebrated ensembles across the US, including Seraphic Fire, Transept, Chicora Voices, Ars Lyrica, Harmonia Stellarum, the Mercury Singers, PaTRAM, Houston Bach Society, the Voces8 Scholars, and the Houston Chamber Choir. In 2022, Michael traveled to Seoul, South Korea, joining the American Soloists Ensemble for a concert tour and recording commemorating the 141st anniversary of Korean American relations.

The key events in Michael’s 2024-25 season include returns to Con Gioia Early Music Ensemble, Harmonia Stellarum, and Ars Lyrica. Mr. Skarke will also make long-awaited debuts with Minneapolis’ leading early music orchestra, La Grande Bande, and the GRAMMY® award-winning Boston Early Music Festival in their mainstage performances of Reinhard Keiser’s Octavia.

Michael holds two degrees in voice performance from Baylor University, where he studied under the guidance of Dr. Robert Best. When not captivating audiences, Michael enjoys golfing, weightlifting, and cherishing moments with his wife, Jenny, and their kids, Clarke and Jack.