Pronouns:
he/him/his
Hometown:
Chicago, IL
What does a typical day in the PORA program look like for you?
A typical day in the PORA Program is filled with time to continue to hone the craft whether it’s coachings, diction and language lessons, voice lessons, working on character and dramatic choices, and role study just to name a few. Really sharpening the tools it takes to be a better musician.
What are you most enjoying so far and most looking forward to in the PORA program?
The biggest thing I’m enjoying about the program is meeting and working with new people. Also, seeing what beautiful and adventurous things Portland has to offer.
Tell us about what production you’re excited about most this season and why?
I’m excited about The Marriage of Figaro because I will be making my debut with Portland Opera in this production. I also can’t wait to do The Snowy Day! It’s a new work and this is the second time its being done! It’s going to be an amazing experience and production!
Do you have any dream roles you'd like to perform?
I don’t have a dream role per se but I’m excited for all the new works coming out. The future of opera is so bright and I’m blessed to be on this journey.
Tell us about what you’re most excited about performing in your upcoming recital?
For the recital, I’m most excited about doing something that serves the Portland community.
Bio:
Baritone Sankara Harouna hails from the Southside of Chicago, Il, and studied music at Kentucky State University. He began his musical journey in the traditional arts of West African culture, music and drumming, and has had the opportunity to perform across the country singing different styles of music from jazz to gospel to classical.
Recently, in the summer 2023, he portrayed the roles of Moralès in Bizet’s Carmen and Homecoming Soldier in Redler’s The Falling and the Rising with Des Moines Metro Opera. He also was a part of the Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program with DMMO.
He has had the great pleasure of joining several wonderful companies across the country; Atlanta Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Kentucky Opera, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Dayton Opera.
In the 2023/24 season, Harouna will sing the role of Jim in David Conte’s The Gift of the Magi with Greensboro Opera. With Portland Opera, he will sing the roles of Antonio in The Marriage of Figaro; soloist in the fall Portland Opera Resident Artist recital; Daddy in The Snowy Day; soloist in Play On! Shakespeare in Music (at the Walters Cultural Art Center); soloist in Puccini: In Concert. He will also participate in the spring workshop of The Factotum. For the 2024/25 season, he will join the Ryan Opera Center with Lyric Opera of Chicago.
