Born in Freiburg, the tenor Christian Elsner had his vocal studies in Frankfurt am Main with Martin Gründler, followed by study with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Neil Semer. In 1993 he won the Walther Gruner Singing Competition in London and in 1994 he was awarded second prize in the international ARD Competition in Munich. With rôles that included those of Pedrillo, Lensky, Macduff and Idomeneo he made guest appearances in various opera houses, including those of Heidelberg, Darmstadt, Oslo and Munich, and at the festivals of Halle and Salzburg. He has appeared in concert performances in major festivals and musical centres, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Philharmonic in Berlin and the Suntory Hall in Tokyo, collaborating with conductors of great distinction. He has a particular interest in Lieder and has given recitals throughout Europe, including participation in the Feldkirch Schubertiade. His recordings include releases of songs and ballads by Hessenberg, Kreutzer, Lehár, Loewe, Alma and Gustav Mahler, Schubert and Zemlinsky.