Ryan Townsend Strand

Ryan Townsend Strand is a Minnesota tenor whose “beautiful vocalism” (San Francisco Chronicle) and “expressive poise” (Chicago Classical Review) have afforded him a confident career as a concert and oratorio soloist. Strand most recently was a featured soloist performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Illinois Philharmonic. This November, Strand will debut at Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia with his solo recital entitled Letters To Jackie, performing 14 works by some of the most sought after voices in classical music today, in tandem with the 61st anniversary of JFK’s assassination. Strand has sung with the Grammy award-winning contemporary vocal ensemble The Crossing in Philadelphia under the direction of Donald Nally. Locally, he performs with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Music of the Baroque, Stare at the Sun, Bella Voce, and the Grant Park Festival Chorus. Strand is a founding member and executive director of Constellation Men’s Ensemble in Chicago. www.ryantownsendstrand.com