Seattle Opera has announced that Kenneth Kellogg will be its inaugural Artistic Ambassador, taking over for Naomi André, who concluded a five-year term as Scholar-in-Residence.

Kellogg will serve as a representative of the company in the Seattle community. He will advise the company on season planning, racial equity initiatives, and other community partnerships. Kellogg is set to engage in conversation with André as part of the May 9 Opera Talk.

“When I think of my role as Artistic Ambassador, I think about my elementary school teacher,” said Kellogg in an official press statement. “I could always see how much she loved music, and that enthusiasm set me on the path to where I am today. Music has been such a blessing to my life, and I hope simply to exude the same infectious spirit that my elementary school teacher shared with me.”

Kellogg has performed as a bass around the world at such opera companies as San Francisco Opera, LA Opera, Washington National Opera, Seattle Opera, Atlanta Opera, Washington Concert Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Opera Tampa, Opera Memphis, Opera North Carolina, and Opera Parallèle, among others.

“Kenneth has a unique combination of qualities that makes him a perfect fit to serve as Seattle Opera’s new Artistic Ambassador,” added General Director Christina Scheppelmann. “His distinguished singing career gives him a clear vision of the industry, his thorough knowledge of history informs every aspect of his work, and he is committed to the transformative power of music as a community resource. We are lucky to continue our relationship with Kenneth in this additional capacity.”