"Frederick Urrey took the title role. He is a first-class Mozart singer in the refined tradition of Leopold Simoneau. His singing has tonal beauty, line, finesse, and real virtuosity, as his triumphant performance of 'Fuor del mar' demonstrated—this is one of the supreme challenges of the tenor repertory."
Boston Globe, Mozart - Idomeneo, Emmanuel Music, Boston
"Frederick Urrey was especially attractive in the tenor solos, singing with a solid, steady delivery and an absolute confidence in the most florid music"
NY TIMES, Handel – Messiah, Carnegie Hall, NYC
"The vocal soloists faced the inordinate difficulties with remarkable skill. I found the vocal endowment, technical finesse, and musicality of Mr. Urrey outstanding"
Bethlehem (PA) Globe-Times, Bach - Mass in B Minor, Bethlehem Bach Festival
Mr. Urrey’s discography currently includes 33 titles with recordings ranging from medieval troubadour songs, arias and ensembles by Rossini and songs of Stephen Foster, operas, oratorios and sacred cantatas, to works by prominent contemporary composers. He is featured as tenor soloist on the acclaimed Dorian recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor.
He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, and a Diploma in Lied and Oratorio with Distinction from the Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna, and Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Louisiana State University.
Professor Urrey characterizes his philosophy regarding the training of a singer as the nurturing of the individual’s innate talent combined with the development of technical skills based on an understanding of anatomy and physiology. Attention to proper breath management, engagement of optimum resonance, accurate diction, a thorough understanding of performance practice and knowledge of style as well as the effective communication of the poetry or message underlying the music. Mr. Urrey’s students perform leading roles in opera, appear as soloists in oratorios, and are successful recitalists.
Mr. Urrey has been a member of the voice faculty of the Music Department of MGSA since 1984. He serves as chair of the voice area, teaches studio voice and Diction for Singers.
