Christian Van Horn — Voice, Power, Authenticity
About episode 13 (released April 17, 2025):
The renowned bass-baritone, currently performing at Paris Opera (as Philippe II in Verdi’s Don Carlos), shares how traditional career trajectories have dramatically lengthened, with young artists often remaining in training programs well into their late thirties – a stark contrast to his own path.
“We are the media now,” he asserts, explaining how his successful podcast (CVH Podcast) unexpectedly transformed not just his connection with audiences but his entire approach to performing. “It gave me power to be me,” he reveals, describing how the confidence to be authentic on his podcast translated directly to greater artistic freedom on stage.
Our discussion ventures into provocative territory regarding talent development, with Christian offering a compelling perspective on what truly matters beyond technical proficiency. While acknowledging the solid foundation young singers receive, he argues passionately that emotional connection is what separates great singers from truly exceptional artists: “I didn’t give the award to the most technically sound singers. I gave the awards to the ones that made me feel something.”
The conversation also explores innovation in concert formats, the role of physical fitness in performance longevity, and the pursuit of authenticity in an industry often dominated by external criticism. Christian’s insights offer a masterclass in career resilience and artistic integrity for performers at any stage. Whether you’re an aspiring opera singer, established performer, or simply curious about the inner workings of classical music, this episode delivers wisdom that transcends the opera world.
Have you experienced the power of embracing authenticity in your own creative work? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
Who is Christian Van Horn?
The 2024/25 season promises to be another tour de force as he stars as the Four Villains in Offenbach’s Les contes d’Hoffmann at The Metropolitan Opera, with a Live in HD broadcast in October. Other engagements include the title role in Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Esa-Pekka Salonen, his greatly anticipated role debut as Philippe II in Verdi’s Don Carlos at the Opéra national de Paris, Escamillo in Bizet’s Carmen for both San Francisco Opera and Royal Ballet and Opera, and his title role debut in Verdi’s Attila, presented in concert at the Teatro Real.
Last season, Van Horn brought his “vocally resplendent and dramatically compelling” (San Francisco Chronicle) voice to the title role of Bluebeard’s Castle at Carnegie Hall and on tour throughout Asia with Elīna Garanča, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Music Director Yannick Nézet-Seguin. He made his Wiener Staatsoper debut in the title role of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and later sang the role in concert at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.
Van Horn also returned to the Opéra national de Paris as the Four Villains in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, which he later sang in a new production at the Salzburg Festival. In the spring he returned to Paris where he made his title role debut in the new Damiano Michieletto production of Massenet’s Don Quichotte. “In an enviable state of vocal health and with a virile physical presence” (Platea Magazine), his singular interpretation of this beloved character was celebrated for the many moments where his “power blends with vulnerability” (Le Monde). Additionally last season he performed at The Metropolitan Opera (Colline in Puccini’s La bohème), Bayerische Staatsoper (Raimondo in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor), Opera Philadelphia (Fiesco in Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra), and the Richard Tucker Gala Concert at Carnegie Hall.
A frequent and beloved presence at The Metropolitan Opera, Van Horn has starred in numerous productions, including the title role of Boito’s rarely performed Mefistofele with The New York Times proclaiming “Long may he reign in hell.” He has also thrilled global audiences through the Met’s popular Live in HD series, including star turns in Wozzeck, Lucia di Lammermoor, Die Zauberflöte, Falstaff and The Exterminating Angel. The Guardian hailed him as “a revelation” in these broadcasts.
Previous roles at Lyric Opera of Chicago include Méphistophélès in a new production of Faust and Silva in Verdi’s Ernani, where he “delivered the finest vocalism of the night, wielding his sonorous bass-baritone with agility in vitriolic moments and singing with consummate grace in his arias” (Chicago Classical Review). Past seasons at San Francisco Opera featured the Four Villains in Hoffmann, Narbal in Berlioz’ Les Troyens, Oroveso in Bellini’s Norma, and Claggart in Britten’s Billy Budd. Throughout his career, Van Horn has performed more than one hundred times each on the stages of The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, and Bayerische Staatsoper.
Beyond the opera stage, Van Horn’s concert performances have dazzled audiences worldwide. He has collaborated with renowned orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic, gracing prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall to the Salzburg Festival. His rich, resonant instrument has made him a champion of recorded music as well, including the title role in Le Nozze di Figaro on Sony Classical. His many accolades include the 2018 Richard Tucker Award and top honors in the Metropolitan Opera National Council competition.
Born in Rockville Centre, New York, Van Horn earned his Bachelor of Music from the State University of New York at Stony Brook before attending the Yale School of Music, where he received both his Master’s degree and Artist Diploma. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious Lyric Opera of Chicago Ryan Opera Center.
*text from ChristianVanHorn.com
All episodes, after publication, are also available in video form on YouTube Channels. All are hosted by Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowman.
Don’t forget to subscribe, share the love, and leave us a review to show your support—it means a lot to us!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with guest ideas, information you’d like covered, or any ideas you might have—the hope is for this to be a continuous resource and dialogue with our listeners.
Visit TheSceneRoom.com for more information.