tech
February 7, 2026
Anthems, agency and arias: baritone Davóne Tines on rewriting his role
The acclaimed US opera singer refuses to restrict himself or his audience. His current Barbican residency sees him range across genres. Always ask questions, always engage, he says. He talks ‘capital O opera’ and big ideas
TL;DR
- Davóne Tines is an electrifying bass-baritone recognized for changing perceptions of classical singing.
- He has received multiple awards, including Musical America's vocalist of the year and the Harvard arts medal.
- Tines intentionally ranges across genres, performing spirituals, gospel, and working with his band, while also undertaking occasional "capital O opera" projects.
- He criticizes exclusionary practices in classical music institutions, which often propagate a narrow perspective.
- Tines seeks to understand and reassert the value of the operatic canon to humanity, rather than simply performing roles without deep evaluation.
- His artistic process is guided by the principles that the "way" something is constructed is as important as "what" is constructed, and that all ideas are transferable and scalable.
- His Barbican residency includes a concert focused on Julius Eastman, a Black, gay composer, mirroring Tines' own diverse identity and artistic scope.
- Tines' devised work "Concerto No 2: Anthem" exemplifies "lateral" artistic agency, where he was commissioned directly as an artist to create a piece.
- This work reimagined "The Star-Spangled Banner" into "Lift Every Voice and Sing" through a collaboration with composers and a poet.
- Tines hopes the US can become a place where true empathy is exercised, leading to better lives for all.
- He has upcoming performances at the Barbican and St Giles' Cripplegate in London.
Continue reading the original article