Daniel Okulitch in Phoenix Symphony Messiah

Daniel Okulitch in Dead Man Walking

Word has it that barihunk David Adam Moore has coined the phrase the "Full Okulitch" to refer to a male opera singer who performs in the nude. Of course, Okulitch revealed everything in the opera "The Fly" at the Los Angeles Opera and became an overnight sensation. Although not always going the "Full Okulitch," the Canadian baritone has shown more skin than most singers in opera, including roles in "Le Nozze di Figaro" in Dallas, "Don Giovanni" at New York City Opera and"Dead Man Walking" at the Ft. Worth Opera.

In his next performance, he'll be fully clothed in a tux singing Handel's Messiah with the Phoenix Symphony on December 18 and 19. The Phoenix Symphony is another unfortunate example of an arts organization that doesn't list its vocal soloists, so you would never know that a singer of Okulitch's stature is performing with them. Both performances are sold out, but you can periodically check for availability at the Phoenix Symphony website.

Daniel Okulitch

Okulitch's schedule in 2011 will include the title role in "Don Giovanni" with the Opera Theater of St. Louis and Abdul in Menotti's "The Last Savage" with the Santa Fe Opera.

You can contact us at Barihunks@gmail.com. Don't forget to send us your Messiah listings.