Boston Conservatory Student Christopher Humbert, Jr. Covers for Opera Stars Ryan Speedo Green and Morris Robinson

Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s opera programs are known to prepare students for winning major voice competitions and landing noteworthy gigs. Graduate student Christopher Humbert, Jr. (M.M. '22, opera) is the latest talent to enter the professional opera scene, after claiming a coveted spot in Palm Beach Opera’s Young Artist Program and being selected to cover for bass-baritone opera stars Ryan Speedo Green and Morris Robinson. 

Humbert will cover Green in Palm Beach Opera’s production of La Bohème, and will cover both Green and Robinson in the company production of Die Zauberflöte. As part of his Palm Beach Opera residency, Humbert will also perform in the Young Artist production of Bellini's I Capuleti e i Montecchi.

An impressive—and rare—accomplishment for such a young artist, Humbert’s role as cover for the opera giants is notable. “It speaks volumes to the quality of our opera programs here at Boston Conservatory,” says Johnathon Pape, professor of opera and artistic director of the school’s opera productions. “Chris is enormously talented and once he finishes honing that talent in his studies here, I have no doubt that he will take the opera world by storm.”

“I am grateful beyond belief to the Palm Beach Opera Young Artist Program for this incredible opportunity,” Humbert says. “The ability to perform with one of the most prestigious companies in the United States, with multiple current and rising stars from around the world, is something I will cherish for the rest of my artistic career.”

Reflecting on his artist journey, Humbert adds: “This opportunity is only possible due to the tremendous support, guidance, and dedication of my closest mentors, advisors, professors, and friends throughout the years. I am especially grateful that I have the chance to share my craft with others during such a tumultuous time, when other theaters and media centers remain closed to the public, without a true measure of when their art may return. With this opportunity, I look forward to creating, learning, and growing as an artist and person through this experience.”

Humbert will be in good company while in Florida, joining talented Boston Conservatory alumni Megan Callahan (M.M. '18, opera) and Kyle White (M.M. '20, opera), who were selected for Palm Beach Opera’s Bailey Apprentice Artist Program. Both artists performed in numerous productions while students at the Conservatory, and are pursuing promising opera careers. 

At the Conservatory, all three singers studied with sought-after Professor of Voice Rebecca Folsom, who is also an accomplished performer. The mezzo-soprano has performed around the world with well-known companies and ensembles, and has performed as a soloist in works such as Brahms’s Alto Rhapsody, Dvořák’s Stabat Mater, Mozart’s Requiem, and Bernstein’s Songfest. Folsom’s students regularly win major competitions and prestigious awards, such as the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and Richard Tucker Award. 

Folsom’s teaching is informed partly by her deep expertise, and partly by intuition—identifying what each individual student needs to thrive. She aims to be a positive and productive influence, helping students fully understand the intricacy of their voice and artistry so that they gain the confidence and courage essential to reaching their fullest potential. 

Her effectiveness as a teacher is evident in the success of students, Humbert being a shining example. "Chris has a world-class talent, and I am so pleased he has been offered this opportunity for growth and training in the early part of his career,” Folsom says. “Being a current graduate student, he is working to build a sustainable vocal technique while learning to navigate the day-to-day demands on a young singer working for an opera company. We are teaching him to trust his voice, trust his instincts, and navigate the large amount of information he is given on a daily basis; all the while knowing that we have his back."

Learn more about Boston Conservatory’s leading voice and opera programs.