Praised for his “unexpectedly rich voice” and “reverberating tones” (Palm Beach Post), baritone John Tibbetts has established himself as a compelling performer in opera, concert, and recital settings. Recognized as an artist “worthy of mention” (Opera Magazine), he has captivated audiences with his dynamic stage presence and vocal versatility.

Upcoming and Recent Engagements

In the 2023-24 season, Tibbetts made his Opera Tampa debut as Masetto in Don Giovanni, further cementing his reputation as a standout performer in both comic and dramatic roles. His upcoming engagements include his role debut as Barone Douphol in La Traviata with Annapolis Opera, conducted by Craig Kier and directed by Eve Summer. He will also take on the role of Sharpless in Madama Butterfly with Amelia Island Opera, appearing alongside celebrated soprano Elaine Alvarez, under the baton of Keith Chambers.

Further engagements include the title role in Il barbiere di Siviglia with First Coast Opera, conducted by Curtis Tucker, as well as Béla Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle with Bold City Opera.

This past season, Tibbetts sang Marcello in a concert production of La Bohème with Amelia Island Opera, conducted by Curtis Tucker, and debuted with Gulfshore Opera, performing Masetto alongside the Naples Philharmonic under the direction of Jorge Parodi. He also performed a recital of Mahler’s Des Knaben Wunderhorn, highlighting his skill in German Lieder.

Career Highlights

Tibbetts has made significant contributions to the operatic stage, showcasing a broad and diverse repertoire. In summer 2023, he performed as the baritone soloist in Britten’s War Requiem, and in recent seasons, he made debuts in Wagner’s Lohengrin (as 3rd Noble) and Verdi’s Aida (as Messeggaro).

His tenure at Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre (UFOMT) in 2022 included performances as the baritone soloist in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, as well as roles in Mozart’s The Magic Flute (Priest), Bizet’s Carmen (Dancaïro), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Reuben).

In May 2022, he sang Ping in Puccini’s Turandot with Opera Grand Rapids, conducted by James Meena.

Tibbetts made his international operatic and film debut in the 2021-22 season, performing the role of Adam in Edwin Huizinga’s Angel with Toronto’s Opera Atelier.

Previous Company Engagements

A former Benenson Young Artist with Palm Beach Opera, Tibbetts performed Fiorello in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, the Captain in Eugene Onegin, and covered the role of Ping in Turandot. He also performed Figaro in a children’s production of Il Barbiere di Siviglia under the baton of Greg Ritchey.

With Sarasota Opera, he debuted as Marullo in Rigoletto, performing as a Fall Apprentice Artist.

Tibbetts made his role debut as Schaunard in La Bohème with Cleveland Opera Theater, directed by Scott Skiba and conducted by Domenico Boyagian.

His 2019 season was particularly noteworthy, as he performed Escamillo in The Tragedy of Carmen at the Hilo Palace Theater, directed by Scott Skiba and conducted by Jennifer Tung. He also performed Harry in Company.

A 2019 Marc & Eva Stern Fellow at SongFest, Tibbetts performed in masterclasses with Susan Graham and James Conlon at Zipper Hall (Colburn School). That year, he also toured Virginia schools in an outreach production of L’elisir d’amore while covering the role of Belcore.

He made his Virginia Opera debut in a double bill, performing Beau in Service Provider by Christopher Weiss & John de los Santos, and Sam in Breaking, an opera by Michael Gilbertson (2018 Pulitzer Prize Finalist) & Caroline V. McGraw.

Tibbetts has also performed with Queen City Opera as Il Conte Robinson in Il matrimonio segreto and with Cincinnati Opera as 2nd Prisoner in Fidelio. Additional roles include Count Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro, John Proctor in The Crucible, John Brooke in Little Women, Pandolfe in Cendrillon, and Il Signor Bruschino in Rossini’s Il Signor Bruschino.

Concert and Recital Work

Beyond opera, Tibbetts has established himself as a sought-after concert soloist. He has performed Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem with the Atlanta Master Chorale, Haydn’s The Creation with the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, and Orff’s Carmina Burana with the New York Choral Society.

His extensive concert repertoire also includes Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer and Rückert-Lieder, Duruflé’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Fauré’s Requiem, Dubois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ, Mozart’s Missa brevis in F Major, and Mack Wilberg’s Requiem.

In 2019, he made his Atlanta Symphony Orchestra debut, performing works by Aaron Copland.

He was also featured in a National Public Radio (NPR) broadcast, performing selections from Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin and Winterreise under the mentorship of Sir Thomas Allen and Graham Johnson at SongFest at Hidden Valley.

Awards and Training

Tibbetts was a finalist in the 2018 Lotte Lenya Competition and in the Carolyn Bailey & Dominick Argento Competition. He also received an Encouragement Award in the Georgia District of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

He has trained as a Gerdine Artist with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, an Apprentice Artist with Opera Saratoga, Kentucky Opera, and Central City Opera, and a Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist with Virginia Opera.

Education and Personal Background

Tibbetts holds a Master of Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he studied with baritone William McGraw, and a Bachelor of Music from Georgia State University, where he studied with tenor Richard Clement. He has also worked with renowned bass Kevin Langan and currently studies with Manny Perez.

Leadership and Vision

In addition to his performance career, Tibbetts is the President and Co-Founder of Amelia Island Opera, an organization dedicated to bringing high-quality opera performances and educational initiatives to the Florida community. Since its founding in 2020, the company has become an integral part of the regional arts scene, producing innovative programming and supporting emerging talent.

With his diverse career spanning opera, oratorio, recital, and arts leadership, John Tibbetts continues to establish himself as a distinguished baritone, celebrated for his artistry, versatility, and commitment to the future of classical music.