With a “powerful” voice and an “arresting stage presence,” baritone Michael Mayes enjoys a busy operatic career in both traditional and contemporary operatic roles with theaters throughout the United States and Europe. He is well known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of Joseph De Rocher in Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking with multiple US theaters including Washington National Opera and made his debut in that same role in 2018 with Teatro Real and the Barbican. In praise of his De Rocher, Opera News wrote, “Michael Mayes, in his sixth production of the opera, embodied the conflicted character of Joseph De Rocher with an almost eerie intensity. . . this was a consummate performance, powerfully sung and acted”. Michael’s triumphant debut as de Rocher in Spain and the United Kingdom quickly launched him into leading roles in several additional international opera companies, including the title role in Nixon in China and Thoas in Iphigénie en Tauride with Staatsoper Stuttgart, Sweeney Todd with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, an acclaimed debut as Bluebeard in an innovative production by Theater of Sound (UK), Dead Man Walking with New Israeli Opera, and Beck in Everest with the Barbican*. As a Company Player at The Atlanta Opera during the 2020-2022 seasons, Mr. Mayes performed The Emperor Overall in Der Kaiser von Atlantis, Escamillio in The Threepenny Carmen, and Older Thompson in the digital production of Glory Denied. Other digital projects include the cinematic premiere of the dramatic song cycle UNKNOWN by Shawn Okpebholo and Marcus Amaker with UrbanArias. Additional 2021-2022 highlights include von Trapp in “My Favorite Things” with Houston Grand Opera, Scarpia in Tosca with Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and his reprisal of Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music with The Glimmerglass Festival. Mayes recently moved into more dramatic repertoire, adding Il Conte di Luna in Il trovatore with Seattle Opera, Central City Opera, and The Glimmerglass Festival, the title role in Wozzeck with Des Moines Metro Opera, and Rigoletto with Houston Grand Opera, Boston Lyric Opera and Nashville Opera*. The dual leading roles of Alfio and Tonio in Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci have become a hallmark in Michael’s repertoire, with performances including Madison Opera and Seattle Opera in the double bill, and Boston Lyric Opera for Pagliacci. A remarkably versatile artist, Mayes continues to build an impressive resume featuring performances in twenty-first century operas as well as standard classics. Recent high points include Doug in Everest with Lyric Opera of Kansas City and The Dallas Opera, Starbuck in Moby Dick and Sharpless in Madama Butterfly with Pittsburgh Opera, Sweeney Todd with Atlanta Opera, Older Thompson with Des Moines Metro Opera, Out of Darkness with Music of Remembrance and Great Scott with The Dallas Opera and San Diego Opera, and a reprise of his Dead Man Walking with Atlanta Opera. Other notable performances include leading roles with Bard SummerScape, Fort Worth Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Opera Carolina, Opera Omaha, Michigan Opera Theatre, and many more. A native of Cut’n’Shoot, Texas, Michael graduated with a degree in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas. He currently resides in South Carolina.