Lobby Cabaret: Midsummer Serenades
starring Matthew Cook and Gary Powell

Matthew Cook is a baritone based in Southern California but originally from Fairfax, Virginia. He has extensive experience singing in opera and musical theatre productions, as well as in choirs. In 2024, Matthew sang the role of Garibaldo in Handel's Rodelinda with Opera Neo and the role of Jacob in The Ballad of Baby Doe with Opera Buffs. In addition, he spent the winter in Florida as an Apprentice Artist with the Sarasota Opera. Later, he spent the summer in Mainz, Germany, where Matthew attended the Barock Vokal Akademie where he worked with James Taylor and Elisabeth Scholl, among other early music specialists. Matthew holds degrees from Pomona College and the University of Southern California. At the latter institution, under the tutelage of Thomas Michael Allen, Matthew presented his master's recital by performing J.S. Bach's Ich habe genug BWV 82 and Ralph Vaughan Williams's Songs of Travel. When not singing, Matthew enjoys long road trips (he has been to 46 states), playing pickleball, and hosting his podcast, Trivia Over Tea.

Songs this evening will include:
"If Ever I Would Leave You" from Camelot
"On the Street Where You Live" from My Fair Lady
"Anthem" from Chess
And many more!