Timo Janzen

Timo Janzen was born in Lower Saxony. After studying music education and church music he became a member of the opera class at the University of Music, Theatre and Media in Hanover, working with Carl-Heinz Müller. He also received instruction from Jessica Cash, Kurt Widmer and Thomas Quasthoff among others. He further enriched his training by studying Baroque singing and historical performance practice with Barbara Schlick.

As a lyric baritone he initially sang roles such as Dr Malatesta (Don Pasquale), Count Almaviva (Le nozze di Figaro), Dandini (La Cenerentola) and Papageno (Die Zauberflöte). His repertory now ranges from Monteverdi to modern works.

As a concert artist his particular passion — along with the music of Bach and Mendelssohn — is for contemporary music. His interpretative art has been shaped by his experiences in these ‘musical borderlands’, including world premieres of works by leading composers such as Wilhelm Killmayer, Harald Genzmer, Peter Kiesewetter and Wolfgang Rihm.

Timo Janzen’s busy concert activity has taken him to perform in numerous national and international venues. He is a regular guest of renowned festivals such as the International Handel Festival in Göttingen, the Edinburgh Festival and the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival and works with leading conductors including Nicholas McGegan, Thomas Hengelbrock and Reinhard Goebel.

As an in-demand Lieder interpreter he gives regular recitals with his duo partner Max Hanft. Since 2001 Timo Janzen has been an ensemble member of the Bavarian Radio Chorus, where he has performed under prestigious conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Mariss Jansons, Riccardo Muti and Wolfgang Sawallisch. Since 2011 Timo Janzen has taught singing at the University of Music and Theatre Munich.