Jesse Cooper is a baritone whose performances are marked by expressive depth, warm vocal color, and a sincere connection to text and character. Equally drawn to the drama of opera and the intimacy of art song, he brings nuance and authenticity to every stage he steps onto.

Recent performance highlights include solo appearances in Messiah by G.F. Handel and Beethoven’s An die ferne Geliebte at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Illinois, as well as a soloist in Immigrant Mass by CJ Gonzales at Roosevelt University. In the upcoming 2025–2026 season, he will appear in scenes as Papageno (The Magic Flute), Iago (Otello), and Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni), showcasing his vocal range and dramatic versatility.

He holds a Bachelor of Music from Western Washington University and a Master of Music from North Park University in Chicago. His vocal development has been shaped by his work with tenor Peter Scott Drackley, whose guidance laid the technical foundation for his current vocal approach.

With a particular passion for the works of Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, and Leoncavallo, Jesse is drawn to the expressive richness and dramatic power of 19th-century Italian repertoire. Whether performing opera, art song, or sacred works, he approaches each piece with thoughtfulness, musical integrity, and a deep love for storytelling through music.