Nathan Gunn

Nathan Gunn is the Swanlund Professor of Voice and Co-director of Lyric Theatre @ Illinois at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He holds a BM in open studies with a focus on German lieder from the same institution. A renowned performer, Gunn is celebrated for his roles in opera and musical theatre, including his Grammy-winning portrayal of Billy Budd and his acclaimed performances in The Magic Flute and Live at Lincoln Center. He is a vocal advocate for new works and arts education, co-founding the nation’s first Bachelor of Musical Arts in Lyric Theatre curriculum.

His research interests center on the intersection of traditional and contemporary operatic performance, vocal pedagogy, and fostering creativity through interdisciplinary collaborations. Gunn’s recent projects include co-creating In Our Daughter’s Eyes and developing The Old Man and the Sea (premiering in 2023), as well as directing Ilya Demutsky’s Black Square in the 2024-25 season.

Awards include the Grammy Award and Beverly Sills Award. He teaches a full studio of vocal students and collaborates with his wife, Julie, through their production company, Shot in the Dark. Their work includes showcasing new musicals and curating exhibits like Nathan Gunn: The Art of Opera at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.