ADAM BRETT WARD, countertenor, is originally from Tecumseh, Oklahoma. Adam discovered his countertenor voice while studying French horn performance at Yale School of Music. There, he was a founding member of the Yale Schola Cantorum, directed by Simon Carrington. He has since performed as a soloist with the International Contemporary Ensemble and was a member of the Choir of St. Mary the Virgin in midtown Manhattan. As a horn player, Adam was a member of the Verbier Festival Orchestra, winner of the concerto competitions at Yale and Stony Brook Universities, a top prizewinner at the Coleman, Fischoff, and Yellow Springs chamber music competitions, and premiered his own Concerto for Horn and String Orchestra at the Banff Centre. Adam is also a founding member of the International Pride Orchestra. He was recently composer-in-residence for the New York City-based Choral Chameleon, directed by Vince Peterson, and the Sacramento-based Vox Musica, directed by Daniel Paulson. Adam is a singer-songwriter in multiple genres from indie folk and country to instrumental synthpop and is honored to be a member of the Recording Academy. He can be found on all streaming platforms as Adam Brett Ward. Adam has written several arrangements for Chanticleer. Most recently, his arrangement of “Joy to the World”, published by Hinshaw Music, was praised by The New York Times, which wrote: “...notice the subtle vibrancy they add to the slowed-down, dreamlike title track, arranged by the group’s own Adam Brett Ward.” Gramophone added: “A tight close harmony arrangement by Adam Brett Ward...The bright, easy sheen of the falsettists leading into the blazing final cadence was too much.” Adam holds a B.M. from Manhattan School of Music, an M.M. from Yale School of Music, and additional years of study at The Hartt School, Royal College of Music (London), and Stony Brook University. Adam is blessed to be in his 21st season with Chanticleer.
