The University of Memphis is pleased to announce Matthew Burns as Assistant Professor of Voice.
Burns is a veteran performer with over 25 years of experience on stages across the country and the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, Utah Opera, New York City Opera, Seattle Oprea, Michigan Opera Theatre, and more.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Burns to our voice faculty. He has proven to be an exceptional artist, pedagogue, and musical enthusiast that will complement our voice faculty and bring a holistic approach to the training of young singers. I look forward to all that Matthew will bring to the School of Music in his new role.” said Kevin Sanders, Director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.
As master-interpreter of comedic and basso buffo roles, Burns is known for his interpretations of Leporello (Don Giovanni), Doctor Bartolo (Il barbiere di Siviglia), and Sulpice (La fille du regiment), and more, as well as more dramatic roles like George (Of Mice and Men), Blitch (Susannah), and Dansker (Billy Budd).
A respected voice teacher and frequent master class technician, Burns is an advisor to many young professionals in the opera world. Before coming to the University of Memphis, he served on the faculty of his alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Burns holds advanced degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School.