"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
Mr. Urrey's recordings range from troubadour songs to operas and choral to contemporary works. 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.
Professor Urrey characterizes his philosophy regarding the training of a singer as the nurturing of the individual's innate talent combined with the developing of technical skills that focus on effective communication of the music and the poetry or message underlying the music. Attention to proper breath management, engagement of the optimum resonance, accurate diction, an understanding of musical issues, and knowledge of style are of paramount importance. Mr. Urrey's students perform leading roles in opera, appear as soloists in oratorios, are successful recitalists, and consistently winners in competitions.
Mr. Urrey has been a member of the voice faculty of the Music Department of MGSA since 1984. He lives in New Jersey with his wife Finnish soprano Taina Kataja, their two daughters, and a cocker spaniel named Daisy. In addition to his busy schedule as teacher and active performer, he is an avid golfer and enjoys home renovation.
