4th season with Cantus
Hometown: Fargo, ND
Education:
MM in Vocal Performance, University of Wisconsin- Madison
BS in Secondary Vocal Music Education, North Dakota State University
Baritone Matthew Tintes was in college when he truly developed a love of music, especially choral singing. After graduating with a degree in Vocal Music Education, Tintes became a high school choir director, where he taught 7-12th grade choral music.
In 2008, Tintes earned his Master’s of Music degree in Vocal Performance, with an emphasis in Opera Performance, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While at UW, he sang the roles of Leporello in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Arkel in Debussy’s Pelleas et Melisande and the titular role in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale.
After completing his studies at UW, Tintes taught voice at a number of institutions and academies, including Beloit College in Beloit, WI. In 2009, Tintes sang with the opera company, “Opera For the Young” where he toured Wisconsin and Minnesota educating kids about opera and music while performing an adaptation of Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love.” Other recent performances of note include as a soloist in J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor and St. Matthew Passion with the baroque chamber ensemble, Madison Bach Musicians; soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, and PDQ Bach’s Missa Hilarious.
Questions for Matt:
What keeps you coming back to Cantus for another season?
I love all the aspects of working for Cantus, especially working with the other eight singers! Not to mention new music to sing, new places to visit and new audiences to sing for!
What was your favorite Cantus experience last season?
Last year was wonderful all around, but I’ve gotta say, spending a week and a half at the “Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival” was pretty great.
What are you looking forward to most in the 2012-2013 season?
Taking what it is that we do and going to the Middle East, and performing for a whole new audience, is going to be very exciting. Also, we get to go back to my hometown area and do another show for my friends and family!
Who is your favorite singer (any kind) and what is it about their singing that inspires you?
I don’t think I can nail down a favorite, but listening to Luciano Pavarotti always blows my mind. There is something about listening to ANY musician who pushes their instrument further than just about anyone else can, and the way he used his voice…wow. It was just amazing.
What music are you listening to now?
Right now I’m kind of into new, alternative rock. The best album I’ve heard in a while is Jack White’s “Blunderbuss”.
What do you love most about living in the Twin Cities?
More than anything, I love the history and character of this area. Also, it looks pretty amazing in the Fall.
Who is your hero? (Real or Fictional)
Batman and Bill Clinton, in that order.
Who is your favorite SUPER hero?
See previous answer. I’m pretty sure Clinton has x-ray vision.
What is your favorite part of touring?
Getting to meet people from all over who love and appreciate music as much as we do!
What do you like to do when you’re not making music?
I am a television and film connoisseur. Becoming engrossed in a new reality show is fascinating to me. It’s also nice to do something where I can rest my voice!