J. Craig Johnson is Director of Vocal Studies at La Sierra University, a position he has held since 1999. An honors graduate from Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City, he completed a master's degree in vocal performance at the University of Oklahoma and a DMA in vocal performance at the University of Southern California.

Johnson is one of Southern California's leading young baritones, whom Opera News as a distinguished voice of "solid technical facility and impressive, rich, singing." The Los Angeles Times has called him "a very appealing bass" and a singer who "handle[s] roles with honor and conviction."

Johnson has sung principal roles with Los Angeles Opera, Long Beach Opera, and the San Bernardino, Bakersfield, and Palisades Symphonies. In one of his performances, he was heralded as "the star of the evening . . ." by the Pasadena Star, with his role being described as "deliciously comic and richly sung."

Highlights of his solo appearances include Handel's Messiah, Haydn's Creation and Lord Nelson Mass, Orff's Carmina Burana, Beethoven's Symphony 9, and Bach's St. Matthew and St. John Passions with the Los Angeles Bach Festival and Angeles Chorale. Johnson currently sings with Orange County Opera and is a bass section leader and soloist for the internationally televised Hour of Power Choir at the Crystal Cathedral, under the direction of Donald Neuen.

ds/2002