This is part 5 of 6 as we highlight the First Place winners of each division from the 2020 CS MUSIC VOCAL COMPETITION.
CS Music: What is your artist level and school if applicable?
Michael Butler: I am currently a rising senior at University of Maryland, studying with Bass-Baritone Kevin Short.
CS: What is your dream role?
MB: My dream role right now, (although admittedly different from my favorite last week) is the title role in Verdi’s grand opera Don Carlo–for it’s passionate music throughout, and the constant building and release of musical tension that Verdi so effortlessly captivates audiences with.
CS: What advice would you give to future participants in the CS Music competition?
Butler and his great friends Aaron Crouch (2017 1st Place on the left) and Anthony Leon (2018 1st Place on the right).
MB: PLEASE keep trying. Believe it or not, this was my third consecutive year competing in this competition, having travelled from Boston in 2018, to Chicago in 2019, to finally my living room in 2020. The invaluable feedback I received from CS judges in past years directly correlated to my ability to be successful this year. In addition: Love the piece you sing. Attending every possible masterclass and coaching in a lifetime cannot allow you to convince an audience or judge that you are having fun. Therefore, cut yourself a break and pick something meaningful to you.
CS: How do you feel that singing, and music in general, can have an impact on the world?
MB: Singing has the unique attribute of simultaneously bringing people closer to others as well as themselves. It can be a teacher for those who have a desire to learn, a stress-reliever for the worn out, and a peace-bringer for those in disagreement. Music can truly heal the world, if we allow ourselves to simply be instruments in an earthly ensemble.
CS: Name some of your favorite professional singers and why they are so impactful.
MB: In terms of tenors, I am a huge fan of Jussi Björling, Giuseppe Giacomini, and Enrico Caruso. Other singers i greatly admire are Leontyne Price, Montserrat Caballé, or Anita Rachvelishvili who is a current Verdi mezzo slaying the game.
CS: What was your experience like participating in a virtual competition and convention vs. the traditional live setting?
MB: The competition and convention this year were so fun and informative. The online format allowed the convention to reach many more lovers of classical music than they would otherwise in a physical location. I did however long for the camaraderie associated with participating in person. Although I’m not quick to say “Lets do the same thing next year,” I think many 2020 participants would agree with me when I say I would be greatly excited and eager regardless.
CS: In terms of singing and performing, what has been your biggest struggle and how have you overcome it?
MB: I would say my biggest struggle was transitioning vocally from baritone to tenor in 2018. Interestingly enough, when I competed at the 2018 CS Music Competition in Boston, I ended up with third place! Many around me strongly discouraged the change, citing the fact that I sounded like a healthy, advanced young baritone. Intuitively I knew the change was the right way to go. The transition was difficult for a number of other reasons as well, like for three months when I was rehearsing the title role of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi while coaching tenor songs and arias. My voice didn’t know what I wanted, but it all ended up being a wonderful experience.
Watch all of the winners of the 2020 CS Vocal Competition HERE.
