Philip Andrew Himebook is a Memphis based tenor, known for his work in both the opera and theatre stages of Memphis, TN.
“With his powerful build and angel’s voice” (Chris Davis, Memphis Flyer), Philip first came to the public’s attention with his performance as Ubaldo Piangi in the University of Memphis production of The Phantom of the Opera. Afterwards, he went on to take center stage as Jean Valjean in two back-to-back productions of Les Misérables, in which he was heralded for his “magnificent voice … it literally soars beyond the barricades” (Joseph Baker, broadwayworld.com).
As he continued to pursue his love of musical theatre in other successful productions displaying his versatility as an actor and singer (including rave reviews for his performances in Into the Woods, The Producers, and Beauty & the Beast), he knew that the one area in his vocal journey yet to be truly ventured was the world of opera.
He auditioned twice for the Metropolitan Opera National Council, and both times placed as a winner in the Divisional level, going on the receive the Encouragement Award at the Regional level.
Philip served as a resident artist with Opera Memphis for their 2018-19 season, understudying as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, and starring as Ralph Rackstraw in Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. He then went on to perform the following season with Opera Memphis for their 2020 productions of Gianni Schicchi (as Rinuccio) and Cosi fan tutte (as Ferrando; canceled due to COVID). He has also performed multiple times in concert with Kallen Esperian for the Memphis Chamber Music Society.
He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Toccoa Falls College, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Memphis, and is currently pursuing his DMA, also from the University of Memphis, where he will be performing in April of 2024 as Don Ottavio in their production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
Read this interview with Opera Memphis: