KELLEN SCHRIMPER | BARITONE
ellen Schrimper is an operatic baritone native to Des Moines, Iowa, who frequently performs in the dramatic repertoire as well as a wide range of other roles. His voice has been lauded for its authoritative resonance to match his stage presence, while also portraying expressive and real characterizations on the stage. He is a former apprentice artist of various prestigious summer festivals such as Des Moines Metro Opera and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and has been working as a principal artist regionally for several years.
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ACCLAIM
"Especially good were Schrimper and Aloia as Marcello and Musetta. Both are immensely gifted singers, able to navigate Puccini’s thunderous music while etching fine and real characterizations." Houston Press
"Assured with stage presence to spare and a deep resonant baritone, Kellen Schrimper was a mighty Pilot…" Houston Press
"Kellen Schrimper’s robust baritone made him a stalwart Marcello…" Opera Magazine
“…baritone Kellen Schrimper, combines the humor and pomp of his role with a stunning voice, further enhancing his stage presence.” Houston Press
"Kellen Schrimper’s soothing, expressive baritone suited the Pilot’s uncommon understanding and empathy…" Houston Chronicle
“Schrimper gives a solid lower-toned authority to our villain, without going over the top (just doing his job, really).” The Almanac
BIOGRAPHY
Kellen Schrimper, baritone, leads off his Fall season taking on the titular role of Sweeney Todd with Pacific Opera Project. Recently, he made his company debut as High Priest of Dagon (Samson et Dalila) with West Bay Opera, and also performed the role of Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm (A Little Night Music) with his return to Opera in the Heights in Houston.
Last season, Mr. Schrimper covered the title role in Verdi’s Macbeth with Teatro Nuovo as a resident artist. Prior to his time there, he sang The Pilot (Portman, The Little Prince) with Opera in the Heights, where he made his principal role debut as Marcello (La bohème) in their previous season. He has also sung the roles of Count Almaviva (Le nozze di Figaro) and Ford (Falstaff) with Pacific Northwest Opera. As a featured artist, he has performed the roles of Ser Amantio (Gianni Schicchi) and Sprecher (Die Zauberflöte) with Opera Carolina.
Mr. Schrimper has been an apprentice artist with various summer festivals including Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, where he covered the role of Scarpia (Tosca) as well as Reverend Olin Blitch (Susannah). At the start of his career, he spent several summers as an apprentice with Des Moines Metro Opera, where he performed the roles of Interrogator/Estonian Frank (Fellow Travelers) and 2nd Armored Man (Die Zauberflöte).
In 2025, Mr. Schrimper was the 2nd Prize and Audience Choice Award recipient at Opera Birmingham’s Vocal Competition. He was also a District Encouragement Award winner for The Met Laffont Competition in his native Iowa District, as well as a finalist in the Houston Saengerbund Awards in 2022, and has been invited as a semi-finalist for several other competitions such as The Jensen Foundation and Premiere Opera Foundation.
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