John Tibbetts

Baritone John Tibbetts, praised for his “unexpectedly rich voice” and “reverberating tones” by the Palm Beach Post, is thrilled to make his Pacific Opera Project debut as the volcanic impresario Vulcano in the United States premiere of Donizetti’s Il fortunato inganno. Known for his warm lyric baritone and engaging theatrical presence, John has built a career spanning Puccini and Rossini, contemporary opera, concert repertoire, and musical theater.

Recent highlights include Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof with Union Avenue Opera, Le Dancaïre in Carmen on tour with Teatro Lirico d’Europa, Sharpless in Madama Butterfly opposite Elaine Alvarez, Ping in Turandot with Opera Grand Rapids, and Masetto in Don Giovanni with Opera Tampa and Gulfshore Opera. He previously sang Le Dancaïre in Carmen with the Richmond Symphony alongside legendary mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves. Internationally, John made his operatic film debut as Adam in Edwin Huizinga’s Angel with Toronto’s Opera Atelier. Premiered at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, the production featured Tafelmusik and an internationally acclaimed cast including Measha Brueggergosman-Lee.

John has also appeared with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Cincinnati Opera, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Palm Beach Opera, Virginia Opera, Central City Opera, Sarasota Opera, Kentucky Opera, and Opera Saratoga. As a concert soloist, he has performed Haydn’s The Creation alongside bass Morris Robinson, Brahms’s Ein deutsches Requiem with the Atlanta Master Chorale, and Britten’s War Requiem and Orff’s Carmina Burana with the American Festival Orchestra.

Beyond the stage, John is the co-founder and artistic director of Amelia Island Opera, where he works alongside his wife, soprano and executive director Victoria Isernia. Together, they recently led the company through a record-breaking fifth season of five consecutive sold-out productions. His appearances with the company have included Marcello in La bohème, Ben in Menotti’s The Telephone, and the title role in Rossini’s Il signor Bruschino.

John was a finalist in the Lotte Lenya Competition and received an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. He holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Georgia State University, and Encompass Arts represents him.