Kenneth Donovan

Originally from New York City, Ken Donovan has been a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus since 1993, where he has also appeared as a soloist.

A frequent recitalist, Ken especially enjoys singing the tenor roles of Puccini, Verdi, Gounod, and Massenet. He has appeared in Lyric Opera Preview Concerts at the First Congregational Church in Western Springs, sponsored by the Kennedy Family Foundation, as well as at the International Friendship Gardens in Michigan City. He is also a founding member of Lyric Opera Stage Artists (LOSA), whose mission is to bring concerts and recitals to under-resourced communities, nonprofit organizations, retirement communities and schools. In recent years, Ken has helped coordinate and perform in
more than 250 free LOSA concerts throughout the Chicagoland area. Ken has studied voice with teachers across the United States, including Leslie Bennett, Kathryn LaBouff, Deborah Montgomery, Charles Lynam, Diane Forlano and, currently, Karen Brunssen. A
member of NATS, he has taught private voice at the Greensboro Music Academy in North Carolina and Greensboro College. In addition to maintaining his private studio, Ken has taught voice at Glenbrook North High School for over 25 years and is a sought-after clinician for voice festivals and competitions throughout the Chicagoland area.

Beyond music, Ken is an avid and accomplished baker who particularly enjoys creating elaborate, large-scale cakes for his Lyric Opera colleagues and friends. He also shares his love of baking as a volunteer Sugar Angel with Icing Smiles, an organization that connects volunteer bakers with families of children facing serious health challenges. Through Icing Smiles, Ken has created numerous “dream cakes,” using his creativity and baking skills to help bring moments of celebration and joy to families during difficult times.

^{Last updated: September 14, 2026}