Blake Friedman has been cited by the New York Times for the “plummy fullness and dusky hue” of his voice and by the New York Classical Review for his voice’s “buttery top.” Blake’s notable performances include his Carnegie Hall – Stern Auditorium debut singing Anatol in the quintet from Barber’s Vanessa conducted by Leonard Slatkin, his Chicago Opera Theater Debut singing the role of Marc in the World Premiere of Freedom Ride by Dan Shore, and his Chautauqua Opera debut singing the role of Almaviva in both Il Barbiere di Siviglia by Rossini and Ghosts of Versailles by John Corigliano. Opera News praised his “romantic and funny” portrayal of Almaviva saying the canzonetta “Se il mio nome proved a highlight.” Other notable performances include his critically acclaimed portrayal of Irving Tashman in the New York City Premiere of Morning Star by Ricky Ian Gordon with On Site Opera and Iago in Rossini’s Otello with LoftOpera.
On the concert stage, he has performed soloist engagements with New York Choral Society, New York City Ballet, Ensemble for the Romantic Century, Canterbury Choral Society of New York, Key Chorale, Choral Artists of Sarasota, and York Symphony.