Matthew Reese

Oper

Hailed by Opera News as “vibrant, and full of empathy” American countertenor Matthew Reese recently made his professional debut as Belize in the New York premiere of Peter Eötvös’ “Angels in America” with New York City Opera.  Mr. Reese has garnered success at several competitions on both regional and national levels. He is a two-time District Award winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.  Additionally, he was awarded the Encouragement Award in the Southeastern Regional competition.

Other competition credits include, a finalist recipient of the Handel Award at the Orpheus National Vocal Competition. He has placed in the semifinal round of the Marcello Giordani International Vocal Competition sponsored by Opera Carolina, and received the grand prize at the 15th Annual Heafner-Williams Vocal Competition. Recently, he was awarded 2nd place & the Willis Patterson Art Song award at the inaugural Pre-Professional Division of the 9th Annual George Shirley National Vocal Competition for African American Vocal Repertoire sponsored by Videmus, Inc.

Mr. Reese received his Bachelor of Music (BM) in Vocal Performance from Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music in Columbus, GA with Dr. Michelle DeBryun.  His Master of Music (MM) in Vocal Performance was completed at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. During this time, he made the switch to the countertenor voice.  The following year afterward included many firsts in the new well-produced voice.  Highlights include: the first countertenor winner of the S. Livingston Mather Competition for Male Vocalists sponsored by the Singer’s Club of Cleveland and the first countertenor winner of the North Carolina District biennial NATSAA competition.  

Mr. Reese initially debuted as Oberon in Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Harrower Opera Workshop alongside stage director Carroll Freeman.  During the 2014-2015 season, Mr. Reese placed second at the Partners for the Arts 3rd Annual Vocal Competition in Alexandria, VA and had the opportunity of performing in the university premiere of Philip Glass’ “Galileo Galilei” as Cardinal #1/Father Sinceri/Oracle #1 through UNCG’s Opera Theatre program.

Productions 2021/2022