Baritone Krzysztof Biernacki established strong reputation as a powerful performer, versatile stage director, and talented teacher. Born and raised in Poland, his professional credits include opera, oratorio, concert, and recital performances in Canada, United Sates, and Europe.
As a singer Dr. Biernacki has appeared in principal roles with Vancouver Opera, Manitoba Opera, Calgary Opera, Orchestra London Canada, Theater of Usti nad Labem in Czech Republic, as well as opera ensembles of University of British Columbia and University of Western Ontario. Highlights of his operatic engagements include Eugene Onegin, Barber of Seville, Madama Butterfly, La Boheme, Cunning Little Vixen, La Fanciulla del West, Rigoletto, Carmen, Dido & Aeneas, The Crucible, Die Fledermaus, Der Freischütz, Un Ballo in Maschera, Don Pasquale, and Gianni Schicchi.
Dr. Biernacki’s commitment to contemporary music is highlighted by world premiere performances heard on CBC Radio and CBC Saturday Afternoon at the Opera including a highly acclaimed production of Filumena co-produced by the Calgary Opera and Banff Centre for Performing Arts. Praised for excellent musicianship and respected as a solo recitalist, Dr. Biernacki frequently performs song recitals ranging in repertoire from Haydn to Szymanowski, Shostakovich, and Britten. His concert and oratorio appearances include Vancouver, Winnipeg, Okanagan, and Calgary Symphony Orchestras, as well as the Vancouver Bach Choir. Last summer Dr. Biernacki made his Carnegie Hall debut with UNF Wind Ensemble performing works of Tchaikovsky and Tosti. Last October he was reengaged for a recital of opera arias and duets at Carnegie Zankel Hall. His summer 2009 engagements included solo recitals in Italy and Poland, concerts with North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, and stage directing engagements at the European Music Academy in Czech Republic.
Dr. Biernacki holds degrees from University of Manitoba (B. Mus.), University of Western Ontario (M. Mus.), and University of British Columbia (D.M.A). He is the head of Applied Voice and Director of UNF Opera Ensemble at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
