Mark Edward Smith

Voice Part: Baritone/Bass

Season you joined the Chorale: 2006

Birthplace: Nebraska

Education/Vocal Training: BFA in Theatre from Stephens College (1985); University of Missouri, Voice & Violin full Scholarships (1980-82); Studied 2 years w/ Dr. Virginia Pyle. One unforgettable week w/Thomas Paul (masterclass '81).

Do you make your living as a musician? Yes, Musician/Actor

Where else do you gig/teach/conduct/sing/perform? Vocal & Violin soloist at Hope Lutheran Church (on Melrose west of Highland); various recording studios, Night Clubs; co-starred in several television shows and film, and principal actor in dozens of national commercials.

Recent solos or guest appearances: Soloist with the Angeles Chorale (Donald Nuen conductor) - Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, 2003 , Night of American Folk Songs, 2004. Toured and recorded with Sting and Vinx for various dates in the 90's. Recording projects with Herbie Hancock, David Sanborn & Branford Marsalis (Tonight Show), Vonda Shepard, Sheryl Crow. TV - The Riches, The Shield, How I Met Your Mother, Boston Legal (x5), Unhitched, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Commander in Chief, 7th Heaven, Everybody Loves Raymond.

Musical Highlights: Every concert with the LA Master Chorale; performing w/ Sting; performing in the world premiere of Jane Eyre the Musical in Toronto; performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival w/ Sting & Vinx; singing on Tonight Show w/ David Sanborn & Marsalis; performing at 2am at the Lugano Jazz Festival (Lugano Switzerland is my favorite town in Europe).

Favorite Choral work: hmm...Carmina Burana. I've never done the piece, but I'm sure I'll get to one of these days.

Favorite on stage experience: Singing at the Royal Albert Hall w/Sting & Vinx; last Season's Mostly A Cappella concert; War Requiem w/ Zubin Mehta, starring in Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas).

What are you listening to these days?: Mahler's 8th a lot lately (go figure). Lots of stuff, Mary J. Blige, Kathleen Battle, Duke Elllington, Ella, Janet Jackson, Rene Fleming, Steely Dan, Jill Scott, Nat King Cole, Snoop Dog, Kansas, Chicago, Beatles…seriously I could go on for days.

Anything you'd like to add about yourself? I am completely in love with this group. Such an honor to be a part of the LA Master Chorale. To check out any of my acting or singing demos (mostly jazz standards) go to one of my web pages: http://myspace.com/c1markedwardsmith or http://web.mac.com/c1markedwardsmith