Recognized for his versatility across musical genres, his musicality, and the clarity and vibrancy of his singing, baritone Michael Kurschat has performed as soloist for audiences in Edmonton and across Canada. He is in high demand for his interpretations of Handel, JS Bach and Mozart, among others.
Michael Kurschat was the featured baritone in productions of Handel’s Messiah with the Okanagan Festival Singers in both 2012 and 2015. As a featured soloist with the Richard Eaton Singers, Kurschat performed in productions of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs (2013), Bach’s Mass in B minor (2014), and Beethoven’s Mass in C minor (2022). He was also featured soloist in Bach’s St. John Passion with Pro Coro Canada (2016), Cantata #62 Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland with Alberta Baroque Ensemble (2017), Orff’s Carmina Burana with the Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus (2018), the role of St. George in John Rutter’s The Reluctant Dragon with Da Camera Singers (2021), and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 for the University of Alberta’s 50th Anniversary celebration for the Department of Music (2015), from which he earned his Master of Music degree in choral conducting and a degree in Education. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from The King’s University, Edmonton.
A teacher with the Greater St. Albert Catholic School District by day, Kurschat is also an accomplished, sought-after ensemble singer. He has been a core member of Pro Coro Canada since 2000 and has also sung with i Coristi Chamber Choir, Madrigal Singers, Da Camera Singers, Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus, Axios Men’s Ensemble, Edmonton Swiss Men’s Choir, and Kapella Kyrie.