Edward Pleasant, baritone, is recognized as one of the most versatile performers of his generation. Critically acclaimed in both opera and musical theater, he has distinguished himself as a gifted actor with brilliant comic timing and a luscious baritone voice. Recent career highlights include debuting the role of Sam Perry in a new opera entitled Strange Fruit for New York City Opera, and starring in a one-man show about the life of Nat “King” Cole called Sincerely, Nat -- which the multi-talented Pleasant also wrote and produced.

A native of Midland, Texas, he gained national attention when he appeared with the New York City Opera as Jake in Porgy and Bess, which included an Emmy-nominated 'Live from Lincoln Center' telecast on PBS. This historic telecast marked the first time a live performance of the Gershwin masterpiece had ever been televised. He has reprised this role numerous times both nationally and abroad. Mr. Pleasant has returned to New York City Opera in other productions, including the premiere of Margaret Garner by Richard Danielpour and Toni Morrison and their annual Vox Series showcases. His additional roles include Don Alfonso in Cosi fan tutte, Giuseppe Palmieri in The Gondoliers, Pish-Tush in The Mikado, Nardo in La Finta Giardiniera, Jacques in The New Moon, Zodzetrick in Joplin’s Treemonisha, Harriet Tubman’s father in a touring production of Freedom Train and Coalhouse Walker in Ragtime.

Pleasant frequently performs on the world’s most prestigious concert stages, including Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Carnegie Hall. He appeared as a soloist with the world-renowned Moses Hogan Chorale and he has sung in other prominent venues such as the Texas State Capitol and the White House. His extensive concert, oratorio and orchestral credits range from Bach’s St. John Passion and Christmas Oratorio, Beethoven’s Mass in C, Brahms’ Ein Deutches Requiem, Handel’s Messiah and Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs to Ellington’s Sacred Selections and Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass. Also highly in demand as a narrator, Pleasant has performed the perennial children’s favorites Peter and the Wolf, Carnival of the Animals, Tubby the Tuba and Russell Peck’s The Thrill of the Orchestra.

Mr. Pleasant’s discography includes The Seven Last Words of Christ for Gothic Records, Kurt Weill’s The Flight of Lindbergh for Voices International, and a special 250th Anniversary edition of The Music of Mozart for the Madacy label. Mr. Pleasant can also be heard on a CD entitled Black Manhattan on the New World Records label, where his performance was heralded by ClassicsToday.com as “beautifully sung.”

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