Davóne Tines: Redefining Classical Music Through Intentionality and Agency

Davóne Tines, a prominent US bass-baritone, is reshaping the landscape of classical music through his innovative approach and recent residency at London’s Barbican Centre. Known for his electrifying performances, Tines has garnered significant accolades, including Musical America’s vocalist of the year and the 2025 Harvard arts medal. His artistic journey reflects a commitment to exploring diverse genres and challenging traditional norms within the classical music sphere.

Anthems, agency and arias: baritone Davóne Tines on rewriting his role – and the rules

Tines first gained international recognition in 2016 with the Dutch premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s chamber opera *Only the Sound Remains*. His subsequent debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2024 further solidified his status. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Tines actively seeks to transcend the boundaries of classical music by incorporating elements from spirituals and gospel into his repertoire. He emphasizes the importance of agency in his artistic choices, stating that his work is about “representing a point of view [and] a way of working.”

Anthems, agency and arias: baritone Davóne Tines on rewriting his role – and the rules

Central to Tines’ philosophy is the concept of “intentionality.” He believes that the construction of a performance is as crucial as its content. This principle is evident in his Barbican residency, where he curated concerts that reflect his vision of inclusivity and representation. Tines’ first concert featured works by Julius Eastman, a composer whose identity parallels Tines’ own as a Black, gay artist navigating the classical music world.

Anthems, agency and arias: baritone Davóne Tines on rewriting his role – and the rules

Despite his success, Tines critiques the classical music establishment for its often exclusionary practices. He argues that many cultural artifacts upheld by institutions fail to engage with their contemporary relevance. Tines expresses a desire for a deeper investigation into the value of classical works, stating, “What’s too often missing for Tines in opera and classical music is an investigation into why treasured artworks remain valuable.”

Anthems, agency and arias: baritone Davóne Tines on rewriting his role – and the rules

In discussing his collaborative work, Tines highlights a shift in the traditional artist-institution relationship. He recalls his experience with the LA Philharmonic, where he was commissioned to create *Anthem*, a piece that blends the Star-Spangled Banner with *Lift Every Voice and Sing*, the Black national anthem. Tines notes, “I wanted to try a different way of modeling a relationship with an institution,” emphasizing the importance of artists taking an active role in their creative processes.

Anthems, agency and arias: baritone Davóne Tines on rewriting his role – and the rules

• “slapped into someone’s production of Don Giovanni. I want to understand that text through a very intentional process of evaluation.” — Davóne Tines, Bass-Baritone

Anthems, agency and arias: baritone Davóne Tines on rewriting his role – and the rules

• “After so much nebulous theorising, Tines’s answer is almost shockingly direct: “I hope it can become a place where true empathy is exercised.” — Davóne Tines, on the future of the US

Anthems, agency and arias: baritone Davóne Tines on rewriting his role – and the rules

Tines will continue his residency at the Barbican, performing with the BBC Symphony Orchestra on February 13, and will present Tyshawn Sorey’s *Monochromatic Light (Afterlife)* at St Giles’ Cripplegate on June 22. His ongoing projects reflect his commitment to redefining the boundaries of classical music and fostering a more inclusive artistic landscape.

Anthems, agency and arias: baritone Davóne Tines on rewriting his role – and the rules