Baritone CHRIS FISTONICH is a PhD Immunologist and cybersecurity researcher turned opera singer. Chris has been hailed as a "voluminous, beefy baritone" with "supple variation of dynamics" (South Florida Classical Review), as "strong" (Schmopera), and with "power" (Washington Classical Review).
Upcoming engagements include Silvio in Pagliacci with Regina Opera, Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus with Opera Magnifico, and Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief with SAS Performing Arts.
Recent engagements include the title role in Don Giovanni with Music on Site, Escamillo in Carmen with Lighthouse Opera, Baron Scarpia in Tosca with Center Stage Opera, Elder Ott in Susannah with Delaware Valley Opera, Count Monterone in Rigoletto with New Jersey Lyric Opera, Baron Douphol in La Traviata with Chandler Opera Company, Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte with Gemma Arts, Marcello in La Bohème with Amore Opera Count Danilo in The Merry Widow with Delaware Valley Opera Company, Vodník in Rusalka with the Utah Summer Opera Festival, and Pandolfe in Cendrillon with Miami Music Festival.
Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics from UCLA in 2012. After graduating, Chris attended Yale University, earning a Ph.D. in Immunobiology and publishing his research in 2018.
Chris has sung under notable conductors including Gustavo Dudamel with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin with The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Chris received an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition in 2022.