Jon Lackey

Concert Tenor

Tenor Jon Lackey garners international acclaim for his appearances both on the solo recital stage and as a concert soloist with symphony orchestras. His distinctive voice is a unique blend of both a heldon and lyric tenor—a combination that has lead critics to refer to Mr. Lackey's voice as having both “penetrating power” and “focused lyricism”. Mr. Lackey’s vocal prowess is due in great part to his study of the bel canto singing technique with his master teacher, Ilse Metternich, in Munich, Germany.

Mr. Lackey has sung countless performances internationally, many of which have been broadcast live to millions around the world by the BBC, Radio France, WGMS Radio in Washington, D.C., and PBS Television. He has sung for U.S. presidents, foreign heads of state, ambassadors, and royalty. Mr. Lackey had the rare privilege of residing for a year with the Richard Strauss Family in Munich, Germany, and resided in Paris, France, for a year while studying with the internationally acclaimed baritone, Gérard Souzay. In recognition of Mr. Lackey’s remarkable abilities as a performer and his demonstrated interest in the French culture, the Government of France sponsored his residency during the annual international summer music festival at the Maurice Ravel Academy in St. Jean-de-Luz, France.

A native of Seattle, Washington, Mr. Lackey began his music studies at the age of ten and by the age of sixteen made his public debut as a tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance on scholarship from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, and did graduate music studies at both the University of Washington in Seattle and at Kent State University in Akron, Ohio.

Included among the many honors received by Mr. Lackey throughout his career was being the Top National Finalist in the prestigious National Federation of Music Clubs Voice Competition, scoring above all of the nearly 300 classically trained singers from throughout the United States.

Mr. Lackey’s extensive music career has included a full-time position as tenor soloist with the United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants in Washington, D.C., and positions as resident tenor soloist for prominent church congregations in Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Paris, France. He has appeared as a guest artist with numerous symphony orchestras including L'Orchestre de Bordeaux, the Seattle Symphony, the Tacoma Symphony, the Arlington Symphony, and the Williamsburg Symphonia.

In addition to performing, Mr. Lackey is active as a voice teacher and guest lecturer. He is currently teaching on the faculty of Northern Virginia Community College and in his private studio. He was formerly on the music faculty of Pacific Lutheran University and taught music courses as a guest lecturer at the American College in Paris.

Sample music from Jon Lackey