Praised by the New York Times for his "…clear voice and attractive timbre…," Ian Howell, Countertenor, has performed on major concert stages across much of the world. In 2006, Mr. Howell took First Prize at the American Bach Soloists International Solo Competition with an acclaimed performance of Bach's Cantata BWV 170, Vergnügte Ruh, and Third Prize at the Oratorio Society of New York's Competition. This Blacksburg, VA native can be heard with the all male chamber choir Chanticleer on one DVD and seven CDs, including the GRAMMY award winning Lamentations and Praises and the GRAMMY award nominated Our American journey. Recent roles include the alto soloist in Handel's Messiah at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium, Endimion in Cavalli's La Calisto, and Lichas in Handel's Hercules. Mr. Howell has worked with such conductors as Kent Tritle, John Scott, Jeffrey Thomas, Neville Mariner, Simon Carrington, and James Sinclair. Future engagements include solo performances with The American Bach Soloists, The Berkshire Choral Festival, and The Portland Baroque Orchestra. A debut solo CD with The American Bach Soloists will be released Fall 2008 on Delos featuring repertory by D. Scarlatti, J.S. Bach, and Handel. Mr. Howell is committed to spreading awareness of the countertenor voice and is an active teacher and clinician; he is on the voice faculty of Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, CT, and maintains a teaching studio in the New Haven area. Mr. Howell graduated December 2006 with a Master of Music Degree in Voice offered jointly by the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and the Yale School of Music.