SearchBaritone Michael Mayes stunned London audiences as Joseph de Rocher in the U.K. premiere of Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking, in which he starred with Joyce DiDonato at London’s Barbican Center. Mayes made his European debut in the role at Madrid’s Teatro Real. This season, he reprised the role with Atlanta Opera in a critically acclaimed production that also starred Jamie Barton. Michael Mayes is renowned for his outstanding performances in contemporary operas, including the Grammy-nominated world premiere of Great Scott at The Dallas Opera and later at San Diego Opera; in Joby Talbot’s Everest in TDO’s 2017 revival; and in Margaret Garner opposite Denyce Graves with Opera Philadelphia. 2018/2019 performances included his debut at Staatsoper Stuttgart as the title character in Nixon in China, Conte di Luna in Il trovatore for Seattle Opera, Moby-Dick’s Starbuck in Pittsburgh, Col. Floyd James Thompson in Glory Denied most recently at Des Moines Metro Opera, and the title role of Sweeney Todd for Atlanta Opera, where he also performed his first Wozzeck. Mr. Mayes also excels in dramatic baritone roles such as Scarpia/Tosca, Jack Rance/La fanciulla del West, and the title roles of Don Giovanni and Rigoletto.
