Biography

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). He returns in the 2017/18 Season to sing Montfort and Jokanaan.
Volle grew up in southern Germany. He trained with Josef Metternich and 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 Mandryka (Arabella), Hans Sachs (Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg) and the Dutchman (Der fliegende Holländer) for the Metropolitan Opera, New York, Hans Sachs and Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte) for Salzburg Festival, Mandryka for Paris Opéra, the Dutchman and Dr Schön/Jack for Berlin State Opera, Wotan (Das Rheingold) for La Scala, Milan, and Hans Sachs for Bayreuth Festival.
Volle sings regularly in concert and recital.
News and features
Joyce DiDonato, Michael Volle, George Benjamin and The Royal Opera's Elektra shortlisted for RPS Music Awards 2014
List of previous winners reads like a who's who of classical music.
Joyce DiDonato, Wozzeck, and ROH pricing policy among nominations in What's On Stage Opera Poll 2013/14
Cast your vote to honour the artist, production or innovation you’ve most enjoyed over the past year.
Verdi’s Les Vêpres siciliennes to be broadcast by BBC Radio 3 on Monday 18 November
Broadcast of Verdi’s rarely performed grand opera features an all-star cast conducted by Antonio Pappano.
Photos
Michael Volle as Jokanaan and Malin Byström as Salome

Michael Volle as Jokanaan and Malin Byström as Salome

Michael Volle as Guy de Monfort in Les Vêpres siciliennes

Bryan Hymel as Henri and Michael Volle as Guy de Monfort in Les Vêpres siciliennes

Michael Volle as Guy de Monfort in Les Vêpres siciliennes

Michael Volle as Jokanaan

Michael Volle as Jokanaan

Michael Volle as Jokanaan @ 2018 ROH. Photographed by Clive Barda

Michael Volle

Michael Volle in Les Vêpres siciliennes, The Royal Opera

Michael Volle as Guy de Monfort in Les Vêpres siciliennes

Michael Volle as Guy de Monfort in Les Vêpres siciliennes

Erwin Schrott as Procida, Lianna Haroutounian as Helene, Michael Volle as Guy de Monfort and Bryan Hymel as Henri in Les Vêpres siciliennes

Bryan Hymel as Henri and Michael Volle as Guy de Monfort in Les Vêpres siciliennes
