DAVID W. COOK, is an international award-winning American tenor, recitalist and philosopher whose work has been described as singing with “artistic vision, commitment, and a superb stage presence.”  Singing with versatility, his dynamic voice has been described as “rich, sumptuous, & powerful" (VAMS).

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A student of the late renowned dramatic soprano Betti McDonald, Mr. Cook worked extensively with Ms. McDonald's protege, Kristen Halliday, at The Institute for Musical Arts.  He continued his vocal training at Frostburg State University, notably working with sopranos: Marianna Mihai-Zoeter and Victoria Browers, while completing his philosophical study in Existentialism and finished at the university with a degree in Philosophy.  Currently, Mr. Cook works periodically with acclaimed American tenor Gran Wilson at University of Maryland.

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In concert works, Mr. Cook has most recently recorded a debut cycle of compositions from British composer, Tristan Latchford, titled Celebrating Women in the Bible, a CD project in partnership with the published poetries by retired bishop, The Right Reverend, Dr. Graham Kings, inspired by the paintings of renowned painter Silvia Dimitrova.  The CD’s will be distributed worldwide and have plans for tours both in Europe & the United States.  He has also debuted American composer Scott Rieker’s vocal composition Benediction.  Other performances as soloist include Beethoven's Choral Fantasy under the baton of Dr. James Reddan, Rutter’s Gloria with the Cumberland Choral Society, Mozart's Coronation Mass with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and Handel’s Messiah with the Chesapeake Choral Arts Society.  In addition, Mr. Cook makes his Switzerland debut in performance with renowned soprano Olga Romanko for the Tiziano Rossetti Music Festival, and is featured at the Rocky Mountain Music Festival in Canada.. 

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Other recent portrayals include Captain Von Trapp in The Sound Of Music with the Newtowne Players under the baton of Pateley Bongiorni-Cook; Alfredo in La Traviata with La Musica Lirica, Ernesto in Don Pasquale and Spoletta in Tosca with Hub Opera Company; and Bill in A Hand of Bridge.  He has also performed partial opera roles including Romeo in Romeo e Juliette, Sou-Chong in Das Land des Lächelns, Nadir in The Pearl Fishers, Paolino in Il Matrimonio Segreto, and Camille in The Merry Widow. 

Cook is a participant in the summer program La Musica Lirica, based in Italy, working with director Brygida Bziukiewicz, and artist director Joseph Rescigno.  He is a participant of SongFest, a recognized & respected institution for new compositions and art songs, where he performed a selection from West Side Story singing Tony, under the baton of renowned conductor Michael Barrett. He was also a participant in Washington National Opera’s institute, working with renowned coach and stage director Cindy Oxberry, among other respected faculty and artists at Washington National Opera.

As a prizewinner of competitions, Cook is the recipient of the Gold Award from the World Classical International Music Competition; first prize winner of the North International Music Competition in Sweden; first prize, Rocky Mountain Music Competition based in Canada and the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Competition in Sweden.  Additionally, he is second prize winner of the London Classical Music Competition, and the Marker & Pioneer International Music Competition in California.  He received the Marcella Kochańska Sembrich International Award given by the American Council for Polish Culture as runner up; third prize of the Odin International Music Competition given by the European Arts Association in Ireland, third prize in the Da Capo International Music Competition in Romania, and the International Music Association Gloria Artis Competition in Vienna.  He is also the recipient of a grant given by the Polish American Arts Associations of Washington D.C.

Reviews
"Cook imbues the captain [in The Sound of Music] with an emotional intensity that shocks the audience to their core from the moment he graces the stage."

                                                                 - The BayNet.com

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Personal Website
https://www.davidwcooktenor.com

Media
Compilation
https://youtu.be/0nBtDfz7D1w