Raymond Ayers
Baritone
New England Finalist, 2007

Baritone Raymond Ayers is noted for his interpretation of new music. The Minneapolis Star Tribune said of his success in John Adam’s Nixon in China, “Raymond Ayers struck just the right tone as Chou En-lai: detached and philosophical.” Aislesay.com also said “Raymond Ayers’ Chou En-lai is particularly sensitive and strong, and adds substance to the dimension of political analysis.”

Mr. Ayers completed his master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music in 2004. While in the Opera Studio he performed in the American premiere of Martinu’s Mirandolina, creating the role of the Cavaliere di Ripafrata. In 2002, Mr. Ayers appeared in the New York premiere of Pasatieri’s The Seagull (Constantine), also recording it for Albany Records. While at MSM, Mr. Ayers performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra singing Frank Martin’s Sechs Monologe aus Jedermann, an engagement he received for winning the school’s concerto competition. He was also seen in the schools production of Madama Butterfly (Sharpless).

While still in graduate school, Mr. Ayers was engaged with the Chautauqua Opera for two seasons. As a Young Artist, he performed in Fiddler on the Roof (Motel the Tailor), Susannah (Elder Ott) and Faust (covering Valentin and Wagner).

Additional solo orchestral experience includes performances with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Princeton Pro Musica, Princeton Symphony Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra.

Mr. Ayers recently completed his training in the Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program. While in the program, he was entrusted with both compromario and leading roles, many of which he received excellent reviews. Some of his roles included: Madama Butterfly (Sharpless), the title role in Der Kaiser von Atlantis, Nixon in China (Chou En-lai), Carmen (El Danca ï re), Maria Padilla (Ramiro, Don Pedro cover), Tosca (Angelotti/Jailer), IlSignor Bruschino (Gaudenzio) and Don Giovanni (Masetto, Don Giovanni cover).

This fall, Mr. Ayers was seen performing the world premiere of The Star Gatherer ( Mega the Baker), a newly commissioned opera by the St. John’s Boys’ Choir. This new work, comprised of a solo baritone and boy choir was written by renowned American composer Stephen Paulus, and librettist Gene Scheer. Mr. Ayers will reprise the role of Mega the Baker in October 2007.

Mr. Ayers is a frequent guest with the Minnesota Orchestra, having collaborated with esteemed music director Osmo Vänskä, and critically acclaimed international conductors Andrew Litton and Misha Santora. Recently he shared the stage with renowned artists Deborah Voigt, Carl Tanner and Greer Grimsley singing Tosca (Angelotti/Jailer). He was also seen on the stage of Sommerfest in the Orchestra’s production of Carmen (Zuniga, Escamillo cover), and recently returned to reprise his role of the Father in their charming holiday production of Hansel and Gretel this past December. Mr. Ayers will return yet again to perform Peer Gynt (February 2007) and La Bohème (Schaunard, Marcello cover) in Sommerfest 2007.

This Spring, Mr. Ayers will make his debut with Opera on the James in The Tragedy of Carmen (Escamillo).

Mr. Ayers received a bachelor of music degree from Westminster Choir College, and a master of music degree from Manhattan School of Music. He is an accomplished oboist.

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