American tenor Hayden Smith, known for his “burnished tenor blessed with technique and glorious phrasing” (Houston Press), is making his mark on the bel canto, contemporary, and early music repertoire with unique interpretations and daring vocal pyrotechnics.
This summer, Hayden will be making his Des Moines Metro Opera debut as Mr. Sparhawk in the world premiere of Geter/Palmer's American Apollo. He will also be covering the role of Il Conte Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. In the summer of 2023, Smith enjoyed his debut at the Glimmerglass Festival as Tybalt in a new production of Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette.
On the operatic stage, Hayden has performed roles such as Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore, with Houston’s Opera in the Heights, and Arnalta in L’incoronazione di Poppea at Rice University. Other engagements include Laurie in Little Women, Peter Quint in The Turn of the Screw, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, and Telemaco in Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria, all at Temple University.
As a proponent of new works, Smith is grateful to be premiering the role of Frank in Rip Van Winkles by Ben Morris and Laura Fuentes, a brand-new youth opera commissioned for the Glimmerglass Festival this summer. He also sang the roles of Junior/Charlie in Jennifer Hidgon’s Cold Mountain in the West Coast Premiere in the summer of 2019 at the Music Academy of the West.
Hayden grew up in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, where he began singing in school choirs, developing his love for classical singing and music. Mentored by his school music teachers, he gradually transitioned from choral music to musical theater and then to opera, where he found an instant connection that would forever change his life.
After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Temple University under the tutelage of Marcus DeLoach, Smith pursued his Master's degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, studying with the esteemed Ana María Martínez. He successfully completed his Master's program last May. Smith has also recently signed with Stratagem Artists, marking an exciting new chapter in his career.
With his talent, passion, and commitment to both classical and contemporary repertoire, Hayden Smith continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression on the opera world.
