Arthur Keast

"I truly love singing both countertenor Baroque pieces AND timeless tunes from the Jazz Age to the Golden Age of Pop," Arthur says. "I don’t want to pursue either halfheartedly."

Countertenor Journey
Arthur has performed 13 principal opera roles since age 17. He made his countertenor debut as Ottone in Handel's Agrippina at Chicago Summer Opera in 2023. That fall, he began regular studies with acclaimed countertenor Dr. Daniel Bubeck, a professor at the University of North Texas. In 2024, he returned to CSO to perform the title role in Handel's Giulio Cesare. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Vocal Performance at UNT.

What Fascinates Arthur in Countertenor Singing
"I was a boy soprano, and singing in a high voice still felt natural to me even after my voice changed," Arthur continues. "Countertenors have the privilege of singing angelic, exquisite pieces, bold dramatic up-tempo arias, and breathtaking duets with sopranos and altos—experiences baritones would never have."

Recently, he has taken an interest in rare German Baroque countertenor arias by composers like Carl Heinrich Graun (1704–1759). "Musicians and scholars in Europe are uncovering these hidden treasures, and I enjoy searching for them, tracking down the scores, and adding them to my repertoire."

Experienced Entertainer
Renowned for his versatility and three-octave range, Arthur has hosted over 300 solo shows across Washington state, blending classical music with timeless hits from the 1920s to the 1960s.

"My countertenor training enhances both my vocal quality and baritone repertoire," he shares. "Many in my audience hear the word ‘countertenor’ for the first time. They are captivated by the intensity and otherworldly nature of my classical performances."

Timeless Emotions in Music
Last year, Arthur greatly expanded his repertoire with Frank Sinatra, sharing lesser-known jazz gems alongside Sinatra’s biography through a slideshow in his shows. "The emotional intensity I feel from Sinatra songs like 'I'm a Fool to Want You' reminds me of some Baroque arias and duets. Human emotions haven’t changed much."

Personalized Concerts for Life’s Milestones 
Arthur creates artistic, customized concerts for anniversaries, weaving personal stories. Every concert features milestone hits, cherished classics, and specially prepared pieces that hold profound meaning to them, accompanied by a tailored slideshow. Arthur reveals, "Celebrating people through music is my greatest joy. Their heartfelt gratitude after a concert is deeply rewarding—this is one of my life's missions."

A Vision—Creating the First Original Album
When he's not preparing for concerts,  Arthur creates original songs using Ableton, showcasing both his countertenor and baritone voices. His first song, Peace of Mind, was featured at his special concert, Best of Arthur Keast Concert, last summer.

How Music Came to Occupy Arthur's Life
Arthur began his musical journey at age 11 as a violinist. Attending a Waldorf school, he started violin lessons in 4th grade, later studying under renowned Suzuki educator Dr. Susan Baer, whose thorough and passionate teaching guided him until high school graduation.

At Gig Harbor High School, Arthur discovered a passion for singing, participating in both choir and jazz ensemble under Mr. Wayne Lackman. "The school had an excellent choir program, and singing in it was a stress reliever. I still sing jazz tunes from those days. Mr. Lackman also introduced a statewide competition for oldies, where I was a finalist for three years, sparking my love for the genre," Arthur says. In 2018, he was honored as a Peninsula School District Student of Distinction in Music.

Arthur studied under renowned baritone Barry Johnson at Pacific Lutheran University. "PLU's outstanding opera program, led by Dr. James Brown and Prof. Johnson, along with its exceptional choir program, led by Dr. Richard Nance and Dr. Brian Galante, provided me with invaluable professional training," Arthur shares. He also played violin in the symphony orchestra. In 2020, he began training as a countertenor and graduated with a degree in Vocal Performance in 2023.

Secret behind How Arthur Began His Countertenor Journey
Before the pandemic, PLU announced that their next opera would be Handel's Giulio Cesare, with the title role for a baritone.  Arthur reveals, "I became fascinated by the opera and began singing the repertoire in my high voice during the pandemic. I eventually performed the title role at PLU in January 2022, as a baritone.😊"