Donovan Singletary

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Donovan Singletary

Donovan Singletary is an American bass-baritone who has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Glyndebourne, La Scala, and Seattle Opera. He trained in the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program + Juilliard, a joint venture developed under James Levine. His work has been recognized in The New York Times[1] and Seattle Gay News,[2] with critics noting his stage presence and vocal quality.

Early life and education

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Singletary was raised in Crestview, Florida, in the state's northern panhandle near the Alabama border. He discovered singing as a young teenager and pursued formal musical training. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stetson University, studying under Craig Maddox and Duncan Couch.[3]

In 2023, the Okaloosa County Commission proclaimed October 23 as "Donovan Singletary Day" in recognition of his artistic achievements and connection to his hometown.[4]

He later attended the Mannes School of Music for graduate-level vocal study[5] before joining The Met Young Artist Program and the Juilliard School.[6]

Career

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Singletary made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Salome during the 2008–2009 season.[7] He later appeared with the company as Angelotti in Tosca, with The New York Times citing his contribution to the cast.[8] At the Metropolitan Opera, his performance as Jake in Porgy and Bess in 2020 was noted by The New York Times, which wrote that "the robust bass-baritone Donovan Singletary ... was a standout."[1] The following year, he sang two minor roles in the New York City premiere of Jake Heggie's 2019 opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones by the Met.[7]

He has performed with the English National Opera,[9] Seattle Opera, Glyndebourne, and La Scala, as well as in concert appearances at the Royal Albert Hall.[10]

At English National Opera, Singletary appeared as Harry Bailey in Jake Heggie's It's a Wonderful Life.[11][12]

He sang the role of Harvey in Glyndebourne's 2022 staging of Ethel Smyth's opera The Wreckers, earning positive notice for his contribution to the production.[13][14]

His portrayal of Jake in Porgy and Bess at Seattle Opera received praise in the Seattle Gay News, who wrote that the "handsome bass-baritone Donovan Singletary wowed us with his easy acting and gorgeous voice as Jake."[2]

At Seattle Opera, his performance as Monterone in Rigoletto received critical attention for its dramatic intensity; The Seattle Times described his entrance as "excellent" and highlighted the way it shifted the atmosphere of the scene.[15]

Awards and recognition

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Teaching and mentorship

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Singletary has presented master classes, workshops, and coaching sessions at several colleges and universities, including Duke University and Florida International University, where he has worked with emerging singers on vocal technique, interpretation, and professional development.[24][25]

References

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  1. ^ a b Woolfe, Zachary (January 12, 2020). "When News Upstages an Opera Performance". The New York Times. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Parke, Rod (August 5, 2011). "Porgy and Bess a smash hit at Seattle Opera". Seattle Gay News. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
  3. ^ "Opera on the World Stage". Stetson Today. January 20, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  4. ^ "World-renowned operatic performer embraces his Crestview roots". Crestview Bulletin. October 23, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  5. ^ "Congratulations to the Mannes School of Music alums", March 17, 2021, Mannes School of Music, Facebook
  6. ^ "International House to Host Leontyne Price 90th Birthday Tribute Concert ", January 31, 2017, BroadwayWorld
  7. ^ a b "Metropiltan Opera performances by Donovan Singleton". Metropolitan Opera. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  8. ^ Tommasini, Anthony (October 30, 2013). "Tosca Returns to the Metropolitan Opera". The New York Times. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
  9. ^ Kettle, Martin (October 15, 2018). "Porgy and Bess, English National Opera, review — an operatic masterpiece restored". The Arts Desk. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
  10. ^ "Prom 13: Ethel Smyth's The Wreckers". BBC Proms. BBC. July 24, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
  11. ^ Ashley, Tim (December 3, 2022). "It's a Wonderful Life review — semi-staged operatic tearjerker buffs up the seasonal spirit". The Guardian. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
  12. ^ "It's a Wonderful Life – Cast and Creative Team". English National Opera. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  13. ^ "Glyndebourne Festival 2022 Brochure – The Wreckers Cast List" (PDF). Glyndebourne Festival Opera. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  14. ^ Hugill, Robert (May 23, 2022). "The Wreckers returns: Glyndebourne's new staging of Smyth's opera". Planet Hugill. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  15. ^ Bargreen, Melinda (January 23, 2014). "Seattle Opera's Rigoletto: A triumph of singing, acting, playing". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
  16. ^ "Past Winners – Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions". MetOpera.org. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  17. ^ "Bass-Baritone Donovan Singletary". quintanaartists.com. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  18. ^ "Isabel Leonard, Angel Blue & the Metropolitan Opera Win Grammy Awards" by Francisco Salazar, March 14, 2021, Operawire
  19. ^ "Sullivan Foundation Grant Winners". Sullivan Foundation. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  20. ^ "George London Awards Winners". George London Foundation. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  21. ^ "Past Winners – Gerda Lissner Foundation". Gerda Lissner. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  22. ^ "Giulio Gari International Vocal Competition – Winners". Giulio Gari Foundation. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  23. ^ "Past Competition Winners – Licia Albanese–Puccini Foundation". Puccini Foundation. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  24. ^ "Masterclass: Donovan Singletary". Duke University, Department of Music. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  25. ^ "Masterclass with Donovan Singletary". Florida International University School of Music. Retrieved December 1, 2025.

Further reading

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