The Opera-Singing Athlete

A personality profile of John Kirkland

Shirley Bolden, multimedia editor

Jonathan Kirkland is 6’3, 220 pounds, has a mean jump-shot, and a perfect operatic vibrato.

Although Jon has the physical makeup and the talent to play sports, he spends his time dominating Michigan State University’s musical stage.

Jon’s mother, Glenda Kirkland, is a prominent opera singer and his father is a basketball coach. Home is where Jon’s love for both mediums stems.

Jumping in the car as a kid on the way home from his mother’s operas, Jon would mock her soprano voice.

His two older brothers found it hilarious; it was funny to hear their little brother sing like a girl. When he tried convincing his older brothers he really could sing, they took it as a bit of a joke.

Jon’s first solo, at his home church at the age of 15, was his chance to prove he really could sing.

At the end his solo, he belted out the last note with everything in him and held it for a while. The church erupted. Jon gained confidence and became serious about singing. 

Since his first solo he has played several lead roles in operas with the College of Music. Jon has played major lead roles as Dandini in Cinderella, the title character in Gianni Schicchi, and The Count in The Marriage of Figaro. Jon and his mother both played in Tales of Hoffman.

“Opera is about bringing the aria (an opera song) to life,” Jon said. “It’s not just a song, it’s an entire character too.”

When he first stepped into the College of Music he believes some people thought he was lost, and some were a little scared.

“It’s all love now,” he said.  “We’re all like family; everyone knows I belong there.”

Jon admits he doesn’t get much of an upper hand auditioning for lead roles in operas. He definitely sticks out from everyone else, but that’s not always what the part calls for.

“When you see Jon on stage he has a great sound but also a great presence,” said Richard Fracker, Jon’s vocal coach. “I have a lot of affection for Jon.”

“He calls me coach, and I get a real kick out of it,” Fracker said.

Inside the College of Music there were whispers of a rumor that Jon was going to play basketball for the University of Michigan. Everyone in the College of Music got ear of the rumor, even Jon’s vocal coach.

“I have all the stereotypes of an athlete, and I have no problem admitting that I am athletic,” Jon said.

“He has game; he can definitely hoop for sure,” said Kyle Hurtt, outfielder for MSU baseball. “He is an inspiration for someone like me who can relate to Jon and know that whatever you want to do can be done, even if you’re 6’3 and want to sing opera. I especially admire his relationship with God.”

Jon loves God wholeheartedly. He grew up in church and has never strayed away from his absolute first love. He enjoys studying and reading the Bible. His favorite scripture is 2 Corinthians 1:20: “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”

“If I’m singing about God’s long-suffering, peace or joy, its with the same intensity as singing an opera about how beautiful the earth is,” Jon said.

One of Jon’s biggest pet peeves is when he tells someone he sings opera and they begin to butcher what they believe is an opera voice.

“It’s funny at first but then it just becomes obnoxious,” he said. “It’s not as easy for me to make a joke about someone else’s profession.”

Jon is described as charismatic by nearly everyone who knows him: the kind of guy you would love to have as a friend and especially as a teammate.

“I like to win,” Jon said. “I’m a competitive guy.”

If he weren’t singing opera he would pursue a career as a sports announcer or commentator, he said.

Is there room in athletics for someone with a strong voice?

“There’s always the national anthem,” he said.  

Questions? Comments? Contact Shirley Bolden at boldens1@msu.edu

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