Initially known for historically informed performance of Baroque oratorios and Mozart operatic roles, he has developed a large repertoire which also includes Wagner's Lohengrin and contemporary opera.
He performed the Mozart roles of Tamino, Titus, Ferrando and Don Ottavio, Romeo in Gounod's Roméo et Juliette, and Piquillo in Offenbach's La Périchole.
[1] Chum recorded the Evangelist in Bach's St Matthew Passion in 2009 with the Thomanerchor, the Tölzer Knabenchor and the Gewandhausorchester, conducted by Chailly.
[3] A reviewer noted: "... certainly the most essential narrative role is taken with great élan by Johannes Chum, who makes a fine Evangelist, dealing with Bach's extremes of range with capable ease.
"[3] In 2015, Chum was the tenor soloist in a recording of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, with the Arnold Schoenberg Choir and the Concentus Musicus Wien conducted by Harnoncourt.