South Korean baritone, Yongjae Lee, has demonstrated versatility and artistry across an extensive repertoire that includes operatic and art song works.  His commanding stage presence and expressive vocal timbre have left an impression on audiences of every genre.

Lee’s accolades include First Prize at the 5th New York International Music Competition, for which he was also honored with the Edward C. Braunstein Award and the opportunity to perform in the winners’ concert at Lincoln Center’s Bruno Walter Auditorium.  Additional recent distinctions include the Platinum Medal in Classical Voice from the Quebec Concours International de Musique et des Beaux-Arts, First Prize at the 2023 London Classical Music Competition, Second Prize at the Charleston International 19th Century Music Competition, and Third Prize at the Vienna International Classical Singing Competition.  He was a winner in the University of Arizona President’s Competition, earning the Distinguished Baritone in the Voice Area Concerto Competition Award.  

Lee’s operatic and musical theater repertoire spans a range of iconic roles, including Gianni Schicchi (Gianni Schicchi), Leporello (Don Giovanni), Grandpa Moss (The Tender Land), Peter (Hänsel und Gretel), Betto (Gianni Schicchi), as well as Marcel (Beauty and the Beast). As an Arizona Opera Ambassador Artist, Lee has brought operatic repertoire to several audiences, and in the OperaTunity program, he has served as an Arlyn M. Brewster Teaching Artist. 

Academically, Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from Seoul National University, a master’s degree in Classical Voice from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice and Opera from the University of Arizona, where he distinguished himself as a graduate teaching assistant.