Join JMU voice professor Dr. Sonya Baker for a one-hour conversation with Matthew Polenzani, one of the most gifted and distinguished lyric tenors of his generation. Polenzani’s elegant musicianship, innate sense of style, dramatic commitment, and timeless artistry have established his continued presence at leading operatic, concert, and recital venues worldwide. This event is free. Donations are encouraged and will support student scholarships in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Live Zoom event on March 9, 2021. Available for on-demand viewing from March 10 @ 12 pm through March 16, 2021.

The autumn 2020 season began for American tenor Matthew Polenzani with a recital with his longtime collaborator Julius Drake at Teatro de la Zarzuela. Additionally, he recorded a virtual recital for Vocal Arts DC in November. In 2021, Polenzani stars as Tamino in Die Zauberflöte at Palm Beach Opera in February, and as the title role in Werther in Stuttgart in March and April. Concluding the season, Polenzani sings the title role of Mozart’s Idomeneo and performs in recital with Julius Drake at the Bayerische Staatsoper. He was expected to return to the Lyric Opera of Chicago as Nemorino in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore and the Royal Opera House as Don José in Bizet’s Carmen, but unfortunately, both productions have been canceled due to the pandemic safety measures.

In the 2019-20 season, Polenzani starred in three productions at the Metropolitan Opera: Macbeth (Macduff), La Bohème (Rodolfo), and Der Rosenkavalier (The Italian Singer). For the Met’s New Year’s Eve Gala, he sang Act I of La Bohème opposite superstar soprano Anna Netrebko. He also returned to the Bayerische Staatsoper to sing Don José in Carmen. Full bio

Dr. Sonya G. Baker made her Carnegie Hall debut with renowned conductor Michael Tilson Thomas in 2004, the same year she appeared as soloist on the Yale Alumni Chorus tour to Moscow singing at the Kremlin. Noted for her performances of American music, Baker’s debut recording, SHE SAYS, features art songs of American women composers. Her lecture recital on Marian Anderson's historic 1939 Easter Concert has been presented nationally. She has received numerous academic and vocal awards and is a frequent guest artist and teacher, having taught at Governor's school programs in Kentucky and Virginia. Baker’s past service includes Kentucky State Governor for National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), board member for the Kentucky Arts Council, and university administrative positions. Baker is currently a professor of voice at James Madison University. Along with a Doctor of Music from Florida State University, Baker holds degrees from Indiana and Yale universities. Full bio