Michael Volle

German baritone Michael Volle made his Royal Opera debut in 1997 as Herald (Lohengrin), and has since sung Count Almaviva (Le nozze di Figaro), Jokanaan (Salome), Dr Schön/Jack the Ripper (Lulu), Kurwenal (Tristan und Isolde), Amonasro (Aida), Scarpia (Tosca) and Guy de Montfort (Les Vêpres siciliennes).

Volle grew up in southern Germany and as a child sang in his church choir and played violin in local orchestras. He trained with Josef Metternich and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Rudolf Piernay. From 1999 to 2007 he was a member of Zürich Opera, singing such roles as Eugene Onegin and Beckmesser (Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg). In 2007 he joined Bavarian State Opera, where his roles have included Wolfram von Eschinbach (Tannhäuser), Kurwenal, Amfortas (Parsifal), Amonasro and Wozzeck. Engagements elsewhere include Hans Sachs (Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg) and Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte) for Salzburg Festival, Mandryka (Arabella) for Paris Opéra, the title role in Der fliegende Holländer and Dr Schön/Jack for Berlin State Opera and Wotan (Das Rheingold) for La Scala, Milan.

Volle sings regularly in concert and recital, specializing in Lieder and Russian music.