Baritone Davóne Tines on Rewriting the Rules of Opera and Artistry
In the world of classical music, few artists exhibit the bold determination to traverse genres and professional roles as openly as Davóne Tines. The acclaimed US bass-baritone, known for his electrifying performances, is currently captivating audiences during his 2025-26 residency at London's Barbican Centre. Tines refuses to confine himself or his listeners, embracing a philosophy of constant questioning and engagement that challenges traditional boundaries.
A Voice That Transforms and Transcends
During the inaugural concert of his Barbican residency, Tines made a dramatic entrance from the back of the auditorium, slowly descending to the stage under a spotlight with subtle amplification. His unaccompanied voice delivered a powerful mix of stentorian booms, sharp consonants, and intense mouth noises, showcasing the unique talent that led the New Yorker to proclaim in 2021 he was "changing what it means to be a classical singer". Since then, his accolades have multiplied, including being named Musical America's vocalist of the year, winning the 2024 Chanel Next Prize for redefining disciplines, and receiving the 2025 Harvard Arts Medal—an honour previously awarded to luminaries like architect Frank Gehry and novelist Margaret Atwood, yet Tines achieves this before turning 40.
Philosophical Insights and Genre-Defying Work
While many singers pursue technical excellence, Tines stands out for his acute awareness of artistic agency and his willingness to explore beyond conventional singing. In interviews, he formulates thoughtful responses, often employing sophisticated vocabulary such as "preclusively", "valences", and "reified", and even describes his performances through concepts like a "quadratic function". This intellectual depth complements his vocal prowess, making him not just an opera singer but a philosopher of music.
His career spans diverse projects, from rising to prominence in Kaija Saariaho's chamber opera Only the Sound Remains in 2016 to making his Metropolitan Opera debut in John Adams's El Niño in 2024. Yet, Tines also performs spirituals and gospel, and collaborates with his band the Truth on works aimed at "a broader ear". His engagements with what he terms "capital O opera" are selective, driven by context rather than convention. For instance, he recently participated in a Detroit Opera double-bill featuring Kurt Weill and William Grant Still, focusing on Black American love stories, but generally maintains a critical distance due to what he sees as exclusionary practices in classical institutions.
Intentionality and Collaborative Artistry
A key theme in Tines's approach is intentionality. When programming his Barbican residency, he emphasises that artistic agency extends beyond mere performance to how one engages with the world. He outlines two core principles: the importance of construction methods alongside content, and the idea that all concepts are transferable and scalable through art. This philosophy is vividly expressed in his residency events, such as a concert dedicated to works by Julius Eastman—a Black, gay composer and singer with whom Tines shares identity and a boundary-pushing ethos. The performance was a collaborative effort with musicians and dancers, curated by Grammy-nominated cellist Seth Parker Woods, reflecting Tines's commitment to representing diverse perspectives and working methods.
Innovating with Concerto No 2: Anthem
In his second residency concert with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Tines presents his devised work Concerto No 2: Anthem, which exemplifies his vision for "lateral" artistic agency. Commissioned by the LA Philharmonic for the Hollywood Bowl in 2022, this piece breaks from tradition by having Tines commissioned directly as an artist, rather than as a mere performer. He assembled a team of composers—Michael Schachter, Caroline Shaw, and Tyshawn Sorey—and poet Mahogany L Browne to create a concerto exploring sovereignty. Inspired by the glamour of the Hollywood Bowl, the work aims to transform the Star-Spangled Banner into Lift Every Voice and Sing across three movements, serving as a metaphorical magic trick that addresses contemporary issues.
Hopes for Empathy and Change
Reflecting on the evolving political landscape in the US, particularly in its 250th anniversary year, Tines offers a direct and hopeful vision: "I hope it can become a place where true empathy is exercised. I think if we all were better able to identify with and respect the struggles and lives of others, we would make worlds that were better for ourselves." This sentiment underscores his broader mission to foster understanding and inclusivity through art.
Davóne Tines continues to push boundaries at the Barbican, with upcoming performances including a collaboration with the BBC Symphony Orchestra on 13 February and a rendition of Tyshawn Sorey's Monochromatic Light (Afterlife) at St Giles' Cripplegate on 22 June, inviting audiences to experience his transformative approach to music and storytelling.
