Kasey Sliwinski

• UIUC Music Department's VOICE @ Illinois Vocal Achievement Award - 2024
• In 2024, Kasey performed as a featured soloist and Ambassador of Hope alongside violinist Rachel Barton Pine, American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, and Tony® and Grammy® Award nominee Shoshana Bean in JCC-Chicago's concert "Growing Hope."

Kasey began his stage career at the age of nine, performing in various musicals and operettas with several theater companies in the Chicago area.

Currently, Kasey is a sophomore, pursuing a BMA in the Lyric Theatre program at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, studying with Grammy® Award Winner and Swanlund Professor of Voice/Co-Director of Lyric Theatre Nathan Gunn.

Kasey recently performed as Plutone, King of the Underworld, in Lyric Theatre’s production of the opera "L' Orfeo" by Claudio Monteverdi and Alessandro Striggio (music director Dr. Andrea Solya, Stage and Resident Director Dawn Harris).

In 2024, he performed as John Doe (cover) and Ensemble in Lyric Theatre’s production of the academic world premiere opera, "Black Square" (concept by Igor Konyukhov, composer Ilya Demutsky, and Libretto by Olga Maslova & Igor Konyukhov; stage director Nathan Gunn, music director Michael Tilley). He has also performed in Lyric Theatre's "Lyric Under the Stars" and "Carnaval".

Kasey currently sings in the Chamber Singers at UIUC's School of Music, directed by Dr. Andrea Solya. He previously sang in the Varsity Men’s Glee Club under the direction of Dr. Barrington Coleman.

Some of his favorite roles include Plutone in "Orfeo", Enjolras in "Les Misérables", Older Karl in "The Christmas Schooner", Tarzan in "Tarzan the Musical", Frank Abagnale Jr. in "Catch Me If You Can", and Prince Eric in Disney’s "The Little Mermaid".

He has also performed with the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company of Chicago in "H.M.S. Pinafore" and with The Savoyaires in their productions of "Trial by Jury" and "Yeoman of the Guard." Additionally, he sings with the newly formed G&S company, Great Lakes Operetta (GLO).

Kasey plans to pursue a career in both opera and musical theater, as Lyric Theatre @ Illinois prepares him to bridge the theatrical genres.

In the near future, Kasey aims to continue performing and singing in concerts; and hopes to travel to Europe to learn from working professionals while exploring singing opportunities in the U.S. and other countries.

I am deeply grateful for the introductions, connections, and educational platform that CS Music provides. I am committed to the art of music and the role the arts play in enriching our culture and community. Singing not only allows me to express myself, but also offers a way for me to connect with others who share my love for the performing arts. Thank you for your support and encouragement!