One of the most exciting vocal talents to emerge in recent seasons, Blake Denson, described as a “roaring baritone”(Klassik begeistert), is praised for his “captivating dramatic interpretations” with “a striking upper register” and “a sound that boomed to the back of the house” (Opera Wire). Recently, Denson was named a winner of The Richard Tucker – Sarah Tucker Grant Award, by The George London Foundation Competition, at The 59th International Concurs Tenor Viñas Competition, and a winner in The Dallas Opera National Vocal Competition.  He was also a Grand Finalist winner of the 2020 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, performing with Bertrand de Billy and The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

The 2023-2024 season will see Denson’s return to Houston Grand Opera, where he will debut the role of Ford in Falstaff. He will join the Metropolitan Opera roster for the first time in two productions: Madama Butterfly as Prince Yamadori and Fire Shut Up in My Bones as Pastor/Kaboom. Denson will also be heard in concert alongside Lisette Oropesa at New Orleans Opera. 

In the 2022-2023 season, Denson made his German debut in La fanciulla del West with the Bayerische Staatsoper singing the role of Larkens. Additionally, he was heard in performances with the Staatsoper Hamburg, including his house debut in a new production of Carmen singing the role of Morales.  Denson also made his debut with English National Opera as Donner in their new production of Das Rheingold.  He then joined Washington National Opera for their production of La bohème, where he debuted the role of Schaunard. In symphonic works, Denson performed Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with the Paducah Symphony. Denson also made his debut with The Santa Fe Opera in two different productions in the summer of 2023: as Angelotti in Tosca and Plutone in Orfeo.

A graduate of the prestigious Houston Grand Opera Studio, Denson was in residence with the company from 2020-2022. While with the company, he was heard as the Father in Hänsel und Gretel, Daddy/Tim in the world premiere of The Snowy Day, as Moralès, the Jailor in Dialogues of the Carmelites, and Gregorio in Romeo et Juliette. Additionally, he was featured in multiple scenes programs (live and digital) and in HGO’s Giving Voice and Suite Española concerts. 

Along with his international accolades, Denson has also been named a winner in multiple competitions including The Pasadena Competition, NOA Competition, Opera Mississippi Competition, Opera Ithaca, Annapolis Opera, Partners for the Arts, Gilbert and Sullivan, Orpheus Vocal Competition, and Perfect Day Music Foundation. He is a graduate of Rice University and University of Kentucky and has received additional training as a member of the Wolf Trap Opera Studio in 2019 and 2020.