New Jersey native baritone Charles Schneider has performed more than 30 operatic roles throughout the country since his professional debut (la traviata) in the summer of 1999. Some of his favorite roles include: Figaro (The Barber of Seville), Conte du Luna (Il Trovatore), and Schaunard (La Boheme). In Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus with Boheme Opera NJ, he was hailed as a “flawless baritone“ in his “charmingly malicious portrayal of Dr. Falke”(Toby Grace, Out in Jersey). Most recently Charles performed his first Wagnerian role, Wotan (Die Walküre), under the baton of Hugh Keelan with New Jersey Opera Theater. 

The Wagner Journal UK described his Wotan as: ”powerful...he was 'to the manner born' for this extremely demanding assignment. The elements of a commanding Lord of Valhalla are all present in his attractive, well-produced Heldenbaritone.”


Finishing up the 2024/25 opera season, Charles is excited to sing the roles of Ferrando (Il trovatore) Boheme Opera NJ, Germont (La traviata) NJ Opera Theater and also to be making his Tundi Productions debut as Der Wanderer (Siegfried).


Outside of the world of opera, Charles spends his days on the voice faculty of Westminster Choir College of Rider University where he has been on staff for the past fifteen years. He is also the director of the Covenant Choir at Liberty Corner Presyterian Church in NJ and enjoys spending time with his spouse and two children.