biography
Accomplished Performance
Praised for his “accomplished performance” (Opera Today) as Narciso in HGO’s production of Agrippina and “beautiful singing” (Northwestend) in Sir David Pountney’s Masque of Might for Opera North, Dominic Mattos is an emerging British countertenor with a high and versatile voice, and extensive experience on stage.
In autumn 2023, Dominic made his debut for Opera North stepping in to sing the role of Strumpet Ginger in Masque of Might at the Lowry, under Harry Bicket. Whilst still studying for his MMus at the RNCM Dominic covered the role of Ruggiero in Tim Albery's production of Handel's Alcina, also for Opera North.
Creative and Versatile
Other recent work includes multi-rolling as 3rd Lady/Monostatos/3rd Boy/1st Priest/Old Lady (“an accomplished actor with a versatile and high countertenor voice” – susanelkinreviews) in Merry Opera’s tour of The Magic Flute, a “coolly incisive Narciso” (Opera Magazine) in Agrippina for HGO, and Stepmother/Dad in Merry Opera’s Cinderella23. Dominic also provided solo vocals - singing Vinci's 'Vo Solcando un Mar Crudele' - for the BBC Radio 3 drama Wunderkind.
Concert Platform
On the concert platform Dominic has sung the roasting swan solo in Orff’s Carmina Burana with Guernsey Choral and Orchestral Society (“wonderfully theatrical… with a pitch-perfect voice throbbing with emotion” – Guernsey News), the alto solos in Handel’s Dixit Dominus for the St. Andrew’s Chorus, Didymus in Theodora for Peter Holman MBE/Essex Baroque and David in Saul for Aylesbury Opera.
Studies at RNCM
Dominic completed his studies at the RNCM under Jane Irwin with high distinction in 2023, generously supported by an entrance award from the RNCM, the Waverley Fund, and a Sybil Tutton Award from Help Musicians UK. Dominic is also very grateful to have been an Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation scholar for both his MMus and PGDipAS.
At RNCM, Dominic appeared as Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus (“a triumphant performance” – The Arts Desk) and as the Refugee in a concert presenation of Dove’s Flight. Opera scenes included Farnace in Mitridate Re di Ponto (Mozart), and Fox in The Adventures of Pinnochio (Dove).
Varied Performance Background
A latecomer to classical music Dominic had a prior career as a cabaret and variety performer (“one of cabaret’s most original interpreters” – Classical Source), including appearances at the Aldeburgh Music Festival, the Metropolitan Room in New York, the Blackpool Grand, The Jermyn Street Theatre and on BBC Radio 4. He still performs professionally as a pantomime dame (“a stage presence that outshines even the acreage of taffeta s/he wears” – Luxembourg Times), and will give his Glinda in Wizard of Oz the Panto at the Electric Theatre, Guildford, over Easter 2024.
Future plans include Appollonia in Haydn’s La Canterina for the Buxton International Festival, and Thaddeus Sholto in Sherlock Holmes, a new commission for Northern Opera Group.