International Opera Star takes the Stage in Fairbanks

Michael Douglas Jones, bass, leads the cast of Opera Fairbanks' inaugural production, "A Touch of Opera." Highly regarded for his appearances in works of the 20th and 21st centuries, Michael starred in the 2005 premiere of The Love of A Chair (John Metcalf/Tremblay) in Montreal with performances continuing in Wales and England. Michael developed his leading role over 3 years period, collaborating with the composer, librettist and stage director through improvisations in creativeworkshops. He made his international debut in Sweden in the lead role of Director in Kafka's Chimp (Metcalf), (in Swedish), preceded by its world premiere at Banff Music Centre for the Arts (in English). Michael won the prestigious Jessies Award for "outstanding performance by an actor in a leading role" for his creation of the Marquis in 120 Songs for Marquis de Sade (Hannan) in the world premiere co-production of Modern Baroque Opera and Vancouver New Music.

Michael maintains a very active performing career as well as a teaching career. He runs a private voice studio on Long Island and in Manhattan, where he also served on the voice faculty of New York University. He was Music Director and Vocal Coach at NYU for an innovative new "rap" opera, Odin, and praised by the New York Times as "an amazing example of, what is possible in the world of new opera." In 2005, Michael became Executive/Artistic Director to his newly formed non-profit, Companion Star, which will produce new music-theater works for the stage based on the idea of collaboration between artists and composers to create original works that challenge the boundaries of traditional opera and music-theater.

Michael made his New York City Opera debut in Madama Butterfly and has sung leading bass roles in Victoria, BC; Sarasota, El Paso, Le Nouvel Ensemble Moderne in Montreal, Florida Philharmonic, San Antonio Symphony, Florentine Opera, and Memphis Opera. Concert appearances have included Stravinsky’s L’histoire du Soldat, Kagel’s Fürst Igor, Stravinsky and Schoenberg’s Ode to Napoleon. Michael has recorded operas in progress for Atlantic Records and new works of composers on the BMI label.

Dr. Jones will appear with Anchorage artists Anastasia Jamieson and Marlene Bateman, as well as Fairbanks vocalists Morgan Reed, Brandon Michael, and Cassandra Tilly. Performances are at 8 pm Friday March 16 and 3 pm Sunday March 18. Dr. Jones will also conduct a vocalists workshop on Saturday, March 17 from 1-4 p.m. For more information, please visit www.operafairbanks.org