This Independence Day, enjoy a patriotic performance of God Bless America and The Star Spangled Banner from internationally acclaimed operatic tenor and Ship alumnus, Richard Troxell ’83. Baltimore Orioles fans have had the opportunity to hear Troxell ’83 sing the national anthem for over a decade at the opening day ceremonies at Camden Yards.

Troxell’s beautiful lyric tenor voice has been thrilling audiences in leading roles around the world since his professional debut in 1993. Audiences may recognize Troxell as:

  • Lt. Pinkerton in Frédéric Mitterrand’s 1995 film Madame Butterfly presented by Martin Scorsese
  • Don José in Carmen, which he has sung at the Sydney Opera House, the Teatro Petruzzelli in Italy, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.
  • The Tonight Show as the singing voice of Jay Leno, or for his operatic cover of the Meow Mix jingle in a skit with Jimmy Fallon.

Troxell is a Thurmont native and Catoctin High School graduate. He is a recipient of the 2017 Jesse S. Heiges Distinguished Alumnus Award, and was previously featured in Shippensburg University magazine. As a Ship student, Troxell was was theater major with a music minor, and was involved in brass ensemble, orchestra, concert choir, and madrigal singing group. He met his wife, fellow alumnus and dancer/choreographer, Lisa Loveless, while studying at Ship. They currently reside in Chester County, PA with two sons.

More on this accomplished Ship alumnus here.