Michael J. Begley

• Michael J. Begley - Voice (Baritone)

Thanks for checking out my listing! I am a classically-trained baritone with a big, rich sound. I have performed professionally in recital,opera, operetta and musical comedy in the Baltimore-Washington area for over 20 years with groups including the American Center for Puccini Studies (ACPS), the Maryland Lyric Opera, the Young Victorian Theatre, the Baltimore Vocal Arts Foundation, the Wasington Savoyards, Annapolis Opera, the Chesapeake Chamber Opera and many others. In January 2011 I debuted with Opera AACC in the title role of Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Mikado" ("Others deserving special praise as most outstanding in a cast of strong performers include Michael J. Begley as the Mikado, who was as skilled comically as he was vocally.") With a background in public speaking and acting, I'm very comfortable handling a performance situation where I interact with the audience, tell jokes, MC, explain foreign language selections or just try to put people at ease. Though the drama and passion of Italian Opera is my first love, I sing lots of showtunes, "legit" popular music, sacred songs and especially delight in performing comic "patter" songs - whether by Rossini, Gilbert and Sullivan, or more modern composers. I can also write new lyrics for popular "patter songs" to add a personal touch to your corporate or social function, whether to honor a guest or to "roast" them. My religious upbring is Christian and I have wide exposure to liturgical music in the Christian tradition - but I am glad to learn material from other traditions. Give me a call whether you want to add fun to a celebration, or dignity and respect in a religious setting.

• Some Enchanted Evening - South Pacific (Richard Rodgers)
• O sole mio - di Capua
• So in Love - Kiss Me, Kate (Cole Porter)
• Panis Angelicus - Cesar Franck
• Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
• Ave Maria - Bach/Gounod
• One Hand, One Heart - West Side Story (Bernstein)
• Di Provenza - La Traviata (Verdi)
• Serenade - Don Giovanni (Mozart)
• Because - Guy d'Hardelot
• The Lord's Prayer - Malotte
• Major General's Song - Pirates of Penzance (G&S)
• The Mikado's Song - The Mikado (G&S)
• The Nightmare Song - Iolanthe (G&S)
• How Great Thou Art - Traditional
• Danny Boy - Traditional
• Loch Lomond - Traditional
• Amazing Grace - John Newton
• I Love Thee - Edward Grieg
• Sunrise, Sunset - Fiddler on the Roof (Harnick)
• I've Got a Little List - The Mikado (G&S)
• National Anthem - Traditional
• Il lacerato spirito - Simon Boccanegra (Verdi)
• Ella giammai m'amo - Don Carlo (Verdi)
• A un dottore - Barber of Seville (Rossini)
• La calunnia - Barber of Seville (Rossini)
• Old Man River - Show Boat (Kern)
• Vecchia zimarra - Boheme (Puccini)
• If Ever I Would Leave You - Camelot (Loewe)
• Non piu andrai - Marriage of Figaro (Mozart)
• The Trumpet Shall Sound - Messiah (Handel)
• It is enough - Elijah (Mendelssohn)

Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Cocktail Parties, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Events, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Halloween Parties, New Year's Eve Parties, Private Parties, Restaurants, Reunions, School Assemblies, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• An outstanding performance -- a warm and engaging presence -- all in all, a perfect fit for my parents' anniversary event. I'm also grateful to Michael Begley for (among other things) his expert assistance in assembling the songlist. It was a pleasure working with him. Highly recommended. -- Dustin F, Bethesda, MD, 2/10/2011
• We were very pleased with Michael's performance. He had researched the date of my friend's birthday and was able to entertain with a bit of trivia in addition to his singing. Overall a very nice addition to the party! -- Mary G, Bethesda, MD, 5/7/2011
• Michael's Italian love songs: Serenade, Il Balen Del Suo Sorriso, and Caro Mio Ben were flawless, but the absolute favorite was O Sole Mio. The entire performance was a wonderful one that everyone enjoyed and it was a pleasure to work with Michael to plan this event. His performance added a special dimension to the rehearsal dinner. -- Corinne H, Alexandria, VA, 6/10/2011
• Mike was very easy to work with. He made our special night very memorable. He hasna wonderful opera voice. -- Dani S, Washington, DC, 12/3/2011

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