JORELL WILLIAMS
BARITONE
NEWS
Album release of 'La ville morte' by Nadia Boulanger
January 9th, 2026
Jorell sings the role of Alexandre in Nadia Boulanger's only opera, ‘La ville morte’. A collaboration with Raoul Pugno on a libretto by Gabriele D’Annunzio, the work was meant to debut in Paris in 1914, but World War I broke out before it could reach the stage.
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Greek National Opera premiere of 'La ville morte'
(Jorell Williams as Alexandre, Melissa Harvey as Hébé, and Laurie Rubin as Anne / photo courtesy of GNO)
“The cast, which included a number of Seattle Opera debuts, was consistently strong, both vocally and dramatically. All of the leading roles require considerable athleticism, and each of these outstanding singers delivered impressively... Baritone Jorell Williams played the part of Parker’s best friend Dizzy Gillespie, with whom Parker created bebop. The “Bebop-Freedom” duet, “You are the beep, I am the bop”, in which the two envision the as-yet uncreated bebop sound, was a highlight of the evening, its “message to the people” one that remains relevant. “Freedom!” Williams performed with convincing dramatic comedic skill and great vocal strength; one would have liked to hear more of his mellifluous voice.”
Bachtrack
"As Parker’s contemporary and friend Dizzy Gillespie, Jorell Williams steals the show with his easy charm and stunning vocals that cut through the music that often overpowers the voices of other cast members. During an overpopulated and conflict-burdened funeral scene that otherwise leaves one unmoved, Williams’ “Farewell” is beautifully delivered and draws one back into the gravity of the scene."
The Seattle Times
ABOUT
American baritone Jorell Williams has been praised for his “solid vocal core and easy, natural production” (Opera News) and “deliciously resonant baritone voice” (Broadway World). Hailed by The Washington Post as “a rock-solid singer with a keen understanding of his own expressive depths,” Jorell moves effortlessly between opera, symphonic repertoire, art song, and contemporary music, bringing a rare versatility and emotional depth that transcend multiple genre.
A frequent presence on leading stages, highlights of his 2025–2026 season include his debut with New Orleans Opera in Der Rosenkavalier, returns to Indianapolis Opera as Count Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro, and joins Tapestry Opera for the Canadian premiere of René Orth’s 10 Days in a Madhouse. Future recordings include 'My Brother’s Keeper' with NYFOS Records, Nadia Boulanger's 'La ville morte' with Pentatone Records, and the Lincoln Center Songbook Cast Album of Diedre Murray’s 'Running Man'.
As a composer, he has written and arranged works for Grammy Award–winning artists and institutions such as the New York Festival of Song, Brooklyn Art Song Society, and Kentucky Opera. Blending performance, composition, and advocacy, Jorell Williams continues to redefine the modern classical artist—bridging tradition, innovation, and the power of story.
“It’s also eminently singable and the all Black cast makes the most of it. Jorell Williams, as Maduka, sings powerfully and with beauty and is emotionally engaging.”
OPERA CANADA
Rehearsal with Philip Akin, Director
"Of The Sea" - Tapestry Opera & Obsidian Theatre
Photo: Dahlia Katz
Opening Night Performance
"Of The Sea" - Tapestry Opera & Obsidian Theatre
Photo: Dahlia Katz
“Williams’ outstanding vocal performance of Maduka begins demure, frightened by his new, sea-bound life, then evolves into fiery, driven arias with strong tessitura when his desire to escape becomes obsessive.”
- INTERMISSION MAGAZINE