Ryan is a Minnesota native whose “beautiful vocalism” (San Francisco Chronicle) and “pliant tenor” (Chicago Classical Review) have afforded him an expanding career as a concert and oratorio soloist. Strand most recently was a featured soloist performing BWV 48, Ich elender Mensch, wer wird mich erlösen. This fall, Strand will perform a solo recital entitled Letters To Jackie, premiering 15 works by some of the most sought after voices in classical music today, in honor of the 60th anniversary of the assassination. Strand has sung with the Grammy award-winning contemporary vocal ensemble The Crossing in Philadelphia under the direction of Donald Nally. Locally, he performs with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Music of the Baroque, Stare at the Sun, Bella Voce, William Ferris Chorale, and the Grant Park Festival Chorus. Strand is a founding member and executive director of Constellation Men’s Ensemble in Chicago. www.ryantownsendstrand.com
