Shahzore Shah, tenor

About the same time as Shahzore began eating solid foods and developing discerning taste buds as a young tot, he also began humming and singing around the house. He began formal voice study in high school and continued through an undergraduate performance degree. During his time at Lawrence University, Shahzore studied French in Senegal and twice volunteered as a summer music faculty member for the Ecole Ste. Trinite in Port-au-Prince, Haiti: both unforgettable and invaluable experiences he wishes to repeat. Following two years of public school teaching in the Midwest Shahzore moved to New York to reinvigorate the performer through private study.

Operatic roles include Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Ferrando (Cosi fan tutte) and Simon in the recently composed work, Sicut Erat. Oratorio and recital performances include Handel's Messiah, Respighi's Lauda per la nativita del Signore, Bach's Christmas Oratorio and Britten's Serenade.

In examining works of music Shahzore finds it most valuable to acquaint himself with those essential elements which join the listener and artist with the composer, his/her collaborators, the event, circumstance or muse which inspired the composer, and the interconnectedness of all who have or will have performed or heard
the piece since its inception. He enjoys listening to and learning to perform many musical styles and shares his mother’s and father’s
affinity towards Bach and Bollywood, respectively. Since joining
Cantus, Shahzore has continued solo performance on tour, on
recordings and in the ensemble's appearances with the St. Paul
Chamber Orchestra. He also collaborates with local sitarist Mark Ilaug and tabla player Richard Davenport in a project called Mashari Trio.

When possible, he also enjoys the preparation and consumption of delicious cuisine and seeks to acquaint himself with masters and devotees of the culinary art.

Meet the Singer - Shahzore Shah
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shah<at>cantusonline.org