About

Classically trained, road-tested tough

Shaun Mcgrath

Shaun McGrath, who has been described as having a “rich, resonant voice and a commanding presence,” (Ann Griffin, Mesa, AZ) made his stage debut in the Portland Opera Chorus’ production of Wagner’s Der Fliegende Hollander in 2007. Since then, he has kindled a love of Wagner and was even invited to perform the work again with the Seattle Opera Chorus. While in Seattle, he sang in Verdi’s Aida and also performed as a soloist under the baton of Marvin Hamlisch in Seattle Symphony’s 2010 production of The Music Man. His most memorable time on stage in Seattle was in a performance of Star Wars in Concert directed by Dirk Brossé.

Mr. McGrath moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 2011 where he performs with Cleveland Opera Theater, other local companies, and is a freelance vocalist for area events. In 2014 Shaun began transitioning to Heldentenor, and continues to broaden his skills and musicianship under the tutelage of his mentor, the world-famous heldentenor, Jon Fredric West.

His past engagements included a solo concert in Chicago along with dramatic soprano, Sarah Heitman. He has performed in Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors with Cleveland Opera Theater, Peter, the Father (cover/apprentice) in Hansel and Gretel with Nightingale Opera Theatre, Dottore Grenville in La Traviata with Opera Circle, Uscire in Opera Circle’s Rigoletto, and has been seen on stage in Italy in Lingua e Canto, a summer music program.

Other appearances have included competing in the Classical Singer Competition, placing as a semi-finalist in 2018. In 2019 he prepared the role of Tristan as a cover in TUNDI Opera's production of Tristan und Isolde. He is a repeat soloist with the Cleveland Cultural Garden's "Opera in the Italian Garden" event, and the tenor soloist with Marietta College's annual tradition of Handel's Messiah.

In 2017 Shaun began the challenging task of an epic weight loss journey. Having lost 120 lbs and still counting, he is feeling even more passionate toward his opera performance goals. He owes many thanks to the careful guidance of his personal trainer, Adam Brown (Brown Performance). Together they have designed a program to reach Shaun's goals safely with no risk to his vocal production.

Shaun currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio with his lovely bride, Jessica Firing McGrath, a violinist and arts administrator. They share a happy home filled with many cheerful plants and enjoy the company of their family and friends.