DCHM3149

Dennis Chmelensky

Degrees & Studies

Bachelor of Music in 2017 and Master of Music from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, majoring in Voice/Opera and minoring in Piano and Conducting. 

Additional studies at the Julius Stern Institut at the Universität der Künste Berlin, with a focus on Conducting, Voice, and Piano and the Georg-Friedrich-Händel Musikgymnasium in Berlin

Division

Voice

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2025

Born In

Berlin, Germany

Performances & Distinctions

Praised for his “carrying power as well as subtle sensitivity to sound” (Philadelphia Inquirer), German-American baritone, Dennis Chmelensky, is a former member of the Washington National Opera’s Cafritz Young Artist program and an alum of the Curtis Institute of Music. Last season, he made his Oper Frankfurt debut as Don Polidoro in Cimarosa’s L’Italiana in Londra under the baton of Julia Jones. He also debuted as Marquis de Corcy in Le postillon de Lonjumeau by Adolphe Adam and portrayed Orlik in Tchaikovsky’s Mazeppa in a production by Matthew Wild at Tiroler Festspiele Erl, joined Curtis on Tour in Athens, and performed works by Bach, Charpentier and Graun at the Philharmonie Berlin. Other recent highlights include his debut at the Philips Collection with Beethoven’s A die ferne Geliebte, Sensor in Jeanine Tesori’s new opera Grounded in a workshop with the Metropolitan Opera, his debut at the Verbier Festival, where he performed Peter in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel with Stanislav Kochanovsky as well as Tom in Un ballo in maschera under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda, and the title role, Don Giovanni, in a Curtis and Opera Philadelphia co-production under the baton of Karina Canellakis. Chmelensky has received numerous awards, including being named a National Semifinalist in the 2022 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and a recipient of the Verbier Festival’s Prix Thierry Mermod. His debut album, DENNIS, was released in 2009 by Sony Classical.

Teaching Philosophy

“Alongside my performance career, I am deeply committed to sharing the transformative power of music beyond the stage. With over a decade of experience teaching private voice lessons, masterclasses, and leading community outreach initiatives, I’ve had the privilege of working with students of all ages and abilities. Whether bringing music education to public school classrooms and local conservatories, mentoring aspiring vocalists, or collaborating with Sirius Music Communications GmbH to expand global access to music education, I’ve witnessed the profound impact music can have on individuals and communities alike. Music was a gift to me growing up—a source of solace, expression, meaning, and infinite possibility—and I am passionate about giving back helping others discover their own voice. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, professional engagements, or diving into serious vocal study, I bring a personalized approach rooted in experience with real-world insights of a working performer. I’ve performed internationally and focus on building a strong classical foundation, with a specialization in opera, German Lied, and oratorio.”