American tenor Edward Washington II was born in England raised in Saudi Arabia and lives in New York City. He studied voice at Stetson University and then attended Morgan State University for his Master’s degree. His voice teachers were Mollie Rich, Craig Maddox, Kenneth Kamal Scott and Marquita Lister. He performed with Orlando Opera, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Opera Orlando, International Festival of the Voice, New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera.
Mr. Washington’s roles include “Edwin” in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, “Ralph” in Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, “Robbins” in George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, “Parpigol” in Puccini’s La Boheme, “Gherardo” in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, “Spoletta” in Puccini’s Tosca, “Pang” and “Pong” in Puccini’s Turandot, “Tamino” in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and “Mr. Scratch” in Moore’s Devil and Daniel Webster’s among others. He has premiered a number of new songs by American composer/arrangers.
Edward soloed in concert with the United States Air Force Band, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Orlando Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Morgan State University Choir, and the American Spiritual Ensemble. He was a featured vocalist twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Edward Washington II was formerly the Music and Education director of the “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation based in Orlando, Florida and directed their ensemble “Master Singers” . He still is a proud ambassador for the foundation. He is also a proud brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.