Khary Laurent
Khary Laurent (also known as K. F. Jacques) is a classical singer and hip-hop producer. He has been featured on The Rosie Show (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network), WGN News, ABC7 News, and multiple television and radio networks, having toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Currently, Mr. Laurent serves as head composer and stars as Figaro in The Rosina Project—a “hip-hopera” adaptation of The Barber of Seville, featuring a dynamic cast of rappers, dancers, singers, a beatboxer, and a DJ. The production has been featured in the Pivot Arts Festival for two consecutive years, and highlighted by the Chicago Sun-Times and The Chicago Tribune. It also received grants for a citywide summer tour through the Chicago Park District’s “Night Out in the Parks” initiative.
His latest work, Telekinetik, was commissioned by Catapult Opera and incorporates cameos of his octogenarian, Haitian-born father. Blending science fiction elements, the piece explores themes of violence and bravado in contemporary society.
Previously, L'Assassino—a hip-hop opera film commissioned by Resonance Works Pittsburgh—delved into the backstory of Verdi’s infamous villain Sparafucile.
During the pandemic, Chicago Fringe Opera commissioned Corsair for the Decameron Opera Coalition’s Tales From a Safe Distance. The work premiered to critical acclaim, earning “Best New Local Opera Production” from The Chicago Reader and “Best Music Video” from the Aladerri International Film Festival, among other awards.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Laurent holds a Master of Music in Voice Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. His recent roles include Tom in Fizz ‘n’ Ginger with Chicago Fringe Opera, and the title role in Don Giovanni with Fargo-Moorhead Opera.
