 Baritone Michael J. Wanko is unique in his ability to sing not only the major buffo roles, but also the dramatic baritone roles which require bel canto singing. In Spring 2001, Mr. Wanko made his New York City Opera debut as Leporello in Don Giovanni . Originally scheduled to cover it, he went on at the last minute for an ailing colleague. He repeated the role for NYCO in Spring 2002 in addition to the Sacristan in Tosca . Following the Spring season, Mr. Wanko participated in their “Show-casing American Composers” Series. He returned to the company in Fall 2002 for additional Leporellos, Bartolo in Nozze di Figaro , and Marco in Gianni Schicchi while also covering Schicchi. During 2003-04 he again sang Bartolo and the Sacristan there, followed by his Lake George Opera debut as Dulcamara in L'Elisir d'amore, after which came Deer Valley, Utah performances as Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore with Utah Symphony and Opera. Last season he made his debut with Anchorage Opera as Leporello, followed by the Sacristan in concert performances of Tosca with the New Jersey Symphony, after which he returned to Utah Symphony and Opera as Ko-Ko in The Mikado .
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