Biography

MIKE FAN | 范祖铭

Tenor

“The most vulnerable” operatic tenor Mike Fan | 范祖铭 (they/them) is renowned for their warm, resonant voice and extraordinarily versatile performances “sung extremely well and acted even better” (Opera Ramblings). Mike’s recent operatic roles include a “spectacular” title role of Mozart’s demanding Idomeneo in the original bravura version, Sam Polk in Floyd’s Susannah, and Remendado in Bizet’s Carmen. 

A striking multi- disciplinary performer whose "dramatic side is remarkable” (Barcza Blog), Mike’s performances span 11 languages across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia for organizations including Pacific Opera Victoria, Le Monument National, and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Other recent engagements include Mike’s company début at the Canadian Opera Company in the new, Dora-nominated Ozawa production of Beethoven’s Fidelio; creating the world première of Chan’s Dragon’s Tale co-produced by Tapestry Opera, Luminato Festival, Soundstreams, and Harbourfront Centre; and their recital début at the iconic Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre for Asian Heritage Month. 

Mike’s many awards include the Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques’ Prix Poulenc, Royal Conservatory of Music’s Gold Medal, and numerous Canada Council for the Arts grants. Mike has also competed for the Loren L. Zachary Society Competition at the Los Angeles Opera, Gerda Lissner Competition at the Kosciuszko Foundation, and the Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona’s Tenor Viñas Competition at the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera. An enthusiastic advocate offstage, Mike is proud founding Artistic and Executive Director of the QTBIPOC+ non-profit Opéra Queens and joins the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts in the 2024-25 season as juror for the Dora Awards. 

Fluent in 7 languages, Mike holds degrees in Biomedical Science, Opera & Voice, Speech Arts & Drama, and Piano Performance with additional training at the Rossini Opera Festival and Tampere Conservatoire. Mike maintains an active teaching studio from their current base in Toronto, Canada. Stay tuned to Mike’s journey at www.MikeZFan.com and on social media @MikeZFan.

MIKE FAN, CAEA, ARCT, MMus, HBMus, BScH ~ At a Glance

Opera Engagements

Awards

Acting Engagements

Education

Teaching Engagements

Pianist Engagements