About

Hans Grunwald is a 2024 graduate of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where he obtained degrees in both Vocal Performance and Mathematics. While at UBC, Hans studied with J. Patrick Raftery, and pursued his passion for Art Song, performing two song recitals in addition to performing name and lead roles in three UBC operas directed by professor Nancy Hermiston. While at UBC, Hans regularly worked with renowned coaches Rena Sharon and Andrea Grant, and under the batons of Les Dala and David Agler

Hailing from Santa Cruz in Northern California, Hans studied voice with Wendy Hillhouse of Stanford University and Mark Bruce until his high school graduation in 2020. Throughout high school, Hans regularly placed first in regional and state NATS competitions and was awarded second place for the state of California by the Schmidt Vocal Arts competition for American high school vocalists. 

While an undergraduate at UBC, Hans was a national finalist in the 2022 Schmidt Vocal Arts Competition for American undergraduates. In the same year, Hans was awarded a Schubert Fellowship to attend Songfest at the San Francisco Conservatory, further supported by a Schmidt Vocal Arts grant. At Songfest, Hans studied with professor Cesar Ulloa, performed in masterclasses with Graham Johnson, Martin Katz and others, and received coaching from Jake Heggie for his recital performance of Heggie’s “A Hundred Thousand Stars.”

In the summer of 2023, Hans was selected as a Vocal Fellow to attend the Music Academy of the West (Lehrer Vocal Institute),  where he sang the role of Schaunard in a concert staging of La Bohème. Hans also appeared in a public recital singing Jake Heggie’s Here and Gone song cycle. In fall of 2023, Hans was engaged by the Bach on the Rock Orchestra and Choir to sing the baritone solo in Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, honored to perform alongside renowned Canadian soprano Suzie LeBlanc. 

In 2024, Hans was named a Next Generation Artist with Early Music Vancouver, and performed a recital of Schubert and Schumann Lieder during the 2024 summer festival in Vancouver's Christ Church Cathedral. Hans is further contributing to the vibrant music culture of Vancouver by working as a Development Officer for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Hans is looking towards beginning Masters studies in the fall of 2025.