Recognized as one of the most dynamic and distinctive countertenors of his generation, Ray Chenez is redefining the possibilities of his voice type on the world’s foremost stages. With a rare blend of vocal beauty, power, and dramatic instinct, he has appeared at many of Europe’s most prestigious opera houses, including Glyndebourne, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Opéra Comique, Opéra National de Bordeaux, Oper Frankfurt, Theater an der Wien, and the Grand Théâtre de Genève.

In the 2025–2026 season, Chenez makes his debut at the Komische Oper Berlin as Daniel in Handel’s Belshazzar and debuts the role of the Witch in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel at Theater Bonn. In the current 2024–25 season, he appears as Corrado in Vivaldi’s Griselda at the Royal Danish Theater, as Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice in Stefano Poda’s acclaimed production at the Ancient Roman Theatre in Plovdiv, and as Nerone in Monterverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea on tour in France with Le Banquet Celeste.

Known for his vivid dramatic portrayals and rare vocal flexibility, Chenez has brought to life a wide range of signature roles, including: Sesto and Nireno in David McVicar’s iconic production of Handel’s Giulio Cesare (Glyndebourne), Nerone in Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea (Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Opéra de Rouen, Opéra de Rennes, Theater Aachen, Theater Bielefeld), Ruggiero in Handel’s Alcina (Národní Divadlo Brno, Théâtre de Caen), Cherubino in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro (Pacific Opera Victoria, Nickel City Opera), the title role in Handel’s Oreste (Händel Festspiele Halle), Piacere in Handel's Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno (Kölner Philharmonie), and Il Paggio in Cavalli’s Ercole Amante (Opéra Comique).

Standout performances in unique repertoire include the Angel in Anton Rubinstein’s The Demon (Opéra National de Bordeaux, Staatstheater Nürnberg), Sesto in Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito (Ancient Roman Theater in Plovdiv), Berta in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Opéra Montpellier), and Irina in Peter Eötvös’s Try Sestry (Oper Frankfurt).

Opera News has praised his "bold and assertive, yet warm and luxurious" voice and "natural electric presence," while The New York Times called him "luxury casting." A George London Award winner, he has collaborated with conductors including Christophe Rousset, Raphaël Pichon, Teodor Currentzis, Leonardo García Alarcón, Laurence Cummings, Lars Ulrik Mortensen, Dennis Russell Davies, and Gianluca Capuano.

He has performed in some of the world’s most renowned concert halls, including the Vienna Musikverein, Kölner Philharmonie, Royal Festival Hall, and Carnegie Hall.

His performances are also featured on notable recordings, including Naxos’ DVD of Cavalli’s Ercole Amante, Harmonia Mundi’s DVD of Luigi Rossi’s Orfeo, and Oehms Classics’ CD of Peter Eötvös’ Try Sestry from Frankfurt Opera.