Artist Of The Week: Edward Parks Portrays Steve Jobs At Santa Fe Opera’s World Premiere

By Francisco Salazar

Steve Jobs is one of the most revered and enigmatic personalities in recent history. He created one of the biggest companies and is responsible for some of the most popular products in modern society. After numerous film adaptations with different actors, Edward Parks will have the task of portraying the figure in Mason Bates’ first opera, “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.”

The title role of Steve Jobs is quite possibly Parks’ biggest assignment to date as he not only has the challenge of portraying a real life character but he must also carry the complete show that is also making its world premiere. Add in the fact that he will make his debut at the Sana Fe Opera, one of biggest summer festivals in the U.S., and Parks may be on the verge of a career breakout.

Over the past few years, Parks has become a leading rising star in the opera world. Since winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2008 and numerous other competitions, his profile has quickly risen. The baritone has appeared at the Virginia Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Long Beach Opera and Chicago Opera Theater. He has also sung at the Minnesota Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansa City and Opera of Monte Carlo.

Among the roles Parks has become recognized for include Marcello in “La bohème,” Mercutio in “Roméo et Juliette,” Escamillo in “Carmen,” Figaro in “Il barbiere di Siviglia,” Ford in “Falstaff” and Count Almaviva in “Le nozze di Figaro.”

Described as having a “robust, earthy voice” and a “commanding stage presence,” Edward Parks is set to take Santa Fe by storm as Steve Jobs.

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