Recognized globally for his "rich, powerful voice that commands the stage," baritone Lester Lynch has established a place in the classical music world as one of the most in-demand artists of the 21st century. He'll bring those unique skills to SFCM in 2024 when he joins the faculty for the fall semester. 

"It's an honor to join the esteemed faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music," said Lynch. "After being on the stage for 30-plus years, teaching seems to come naturally to me. I'm extremely excited and will do everything I can to support and guide the next generation of musicians."

 As an accomplished concert artist, Lynch has performed a wide variety of roles with orchestras around the world, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Opera Philadelphia, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

"A consummate and renowned artist, Lester brings with him many years of experience on the world’s most important stages and concert halls. In addition, he is a truly gifted and committed teacher," said Catherine Cook, SFCM professor and Chair of the Voice and Opera studies programs, "He will be a valuable asset to our department and the SFCM Community." 

As a dedicated technician, Lynch also believes in paying it forward to future generations through teaching. "We are so lucky that Mr. Lynch will be sharing his extensive knowledge and technical proficiency with our voice students at SFCM," said César Ulloa, longtime SFCM voice faculty member. "I knew from the first time I saw Lester work with our students in a masterclass that he possesses all the qualities to be a preeminent voice instructor."

"An amazing communicator and a brilliant pedagogue Lester pulls from decades of experience on the world's greatest stages with the world's most talented artists to share and teach with students at SFCM," said Jonas Wright, dean and chief academic officer at SFCM,"The Conservatory is so fortunate to have him join this impressive faculty."

Career highlights for Lynch include Crown (Porgy and Bess) at Teatro alla Scala, San Francisco Opera, Volksoper Wien, Lucerne Festival im Sommer, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival in Kiel, Germany, Ravinia Festival and the Berlin Philharmoniker; Lescaut (Manon Lecaut) in Baden Baden with the Berlin Philharmoniker; Shylock (The Merchant of Venice) with Royal Opera House and Welsh National Opera; Conte di Luna (Il Trovatore) with San Antonio Symphony, Seattle Opera and Minnesota Opera; Amonasro (Aida) with Tatar State Opera, Russia, Minnesota Opera, Norway’s Bergen National Opera and Springfield Symphony’s PBS Special; George Wilson (The Great Gatsby) and the title role in Busoni’s Doktor Faust with Semperoper Dresden; Rigoletto (Rigoletto) with Seattle Opera; High Priest of Dagon (Samson et Dalila) with Cincinnati Opera; Germont (La Traviata) with Houston Grand Opera and Cleveland Opera; Marcello (La Boheme) with New York City Opera and Opera Theatre St. Louis; Iago (Otello).

Originally from outside Cleveland, Ohio Lynch grow up singing in the church choir where a teaching recognized his talent during a rehearsal in fourth grade. Further work with teachers as the student president of the Elyria High School Choir led him deeper in the direction of singing professionally. Lynch attended Baldwin Wallace University for two years and went on for further study at the New England Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School.

Learn more about studying Opera and Musical Theatre at SFCM.