About me:

Hailing from Shenzhen, China, and now based in Chicago, IL, baritone Lifan Deng is celebrated for his impressive vocal range and multifaceted artistry. Classically trained in opera, Mr. Deng excels in musical theater, straight plays, camera acting, and voice-over acting, earning widespread recognition for his diverse talents.

Mr. Deng holds a Master of Music degree in Voice and Opera from Northwestern University Bienen School of Music. He also possesses dual Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Music (Classical Voice), Mechanical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, in cooperation with the Cleveland Institute of Music.

In the 2023-2024 season, Mr. Deng’s notable performances included the roles of Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte and Kaiser Overall in Der Kaiser von Atlantis with Northwestern Opera Theater, doubling as The Police Agent and Mr. Kofner in The Consul with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble, the lead baritone role in the U.S. premiere of Il nostro posto nel mondo with Thompson Street Opera Company, and his debut operatic bass role as Old Adam Goodheart in Ruddigore with Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. Additionally, he portrayed Olin Britt in The Music Man at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.

Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 season, Mr. Deng will serve as a studio artist at Madison Opera. His engagements with Madison Opera include performing Fiorello and covering Figaro in The Barber of Seville, being part of the ensemble and covering El Payador in María de Buenos Aires, and singing Masetto while covering the title role in Don Giovanni. Additionally, Mr. Deng will play Papagano in The Magic Flute with the touring Opera For The Young.

Mr. Deng’s extensive chorale experience includes his role as the Bass/Baritone Vocal Fellow with the Grant Park Chorus under the direction of the Chorus Master, Christopher Bell, in the summer of 2024 Grant Park Music Festival. He also served as the Bass section leader at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Evanston, IL, from 2022 to 2024, led by Dr. Christopher Owen and Dr. Andrew Major, and at Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, OH, under Dr. Matthew Garrett from 2021 to 2022. His other choral credits include performances with the Northwestern University Chorale, Case Concert Choir, Northeastern Illinois University Chorus, and the Korean Oratorio Society. In the upcoming season, Mr. Deng will join the Chicago Symphony Chorus and Beaux & Belles Carolers.

Mr. Deng has received placements in the Regional and State NATS competitions and the 2023 Calabresi in America Vocal Scholarship.

In addition to his performance career, Mr. Deng is a dedicated teaching artist. For the past two years, he has worked with Global Voice Initiatives, where he teaches music and theater at Chicago Public Schools. Beyond his work in schools, Mr. Deng also offers private lessons, sharing his knowledge and passion for the arts with students of all ages and skill levels.

Mr. Deng is also a proud American Guild of Musical Artists member.

He/Him/His