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WELCOME TO THE MODERN BASS PROJECT

THE MISSION:

To identify and promote 21st-century works composed specifically for the bass and bass-baritone voice.
To expand this digital canon through collective community contributions and discoveries.
To share our unique training stories and professional experiences.

THE PROJECT:

Finding 21st-century repertoire written specifically for the bass and bass-baritone is a significant challenge. The Modern Bass Project aims to be a central resource for singers and teachers to discover new bass music and for composers to share their latest works. While the current collection focuses primarily on English language repertoire, I am actively expanding the list to include international works and a global perspective on the modern canon.

THE REPERTOIRE

a list of modern bass/bass-baritone repertoire

SUBMISSION PORTAL

submit a modern work for bass

ABOUT THE FOUNDER:

A dedicated educator and mentor, Matthew Treviño brings a wealth of experience to his role as Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His teaching philosophy centers on fostering healthy vocal technique and authentic artistry while ensuring his students thrive both personally and professionally. His research explores the intersection of historical vocal pedagogy and contemporary vocal music, as well as innovations in new music to create and perform works that are both engaging and enriching for artists and audiences alike.

Matthew previously held the position of Professor of Voice and Area Chair at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. His students have achieved significant success, performing with esteemed companies across North America including Canadian Opera Company, Opéra de Montréal, Vancouver Opera, Calgary Opera, The Banff Centre, Fort Worth Opera, Dallas Opera, Austin Opera, and Madison Opera to name a few. A passionate advocate for modern opera, he has had the privilege of starring in four album releases of new music, including Carly Simon’s Romulus Hunt (Lexicon Classics), Gordon Getty’s The Canterville Ghost (Pentatone), Michael Nyman’s The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (Naxos), and Robert Patterson’s Three Way (American Modern Recordings). His newest album, The Farther Shore: 21 Century American Songs and Arias for Bass Voice, is slated for release in May of 2026 with Navona Records.

In addition to his academic work, Matthew maintains an active performance career. Upcoming, he will star as John Preston in the world premier of Scott Gendel's opera Everlasting Faint with Madison Opera. He recently appeared as Bonze in Madama Butterfly and Ferrando in Il Trovatore (Opéra de Montréal), Dr. Bartolo in Le nozze di Figaro (Calgary Opera, Austin Opera), Dr. P in The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (Nashville Opera), Friar Laurent in Roméo et Juliette (Florentine Opera), and Dr. Grenvil in La Traviata (Calgary Opera). Other career highlights include Sparafucile in Rigoletto (Vancouver Opera, English National Opera, Hawaii Opera Theater, Opera Memphis), Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor and Leporello in Don Giovanni (Opera Colorado), Hobson in Peter Grimes (English National Opera), and The Client in Three Way (Brooklyn Academy of Music, Nashville Opera). He has also performed in major concert works, including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (Santa Fe Symphony) and Handel’s Messiah (St. Louis Symphony).

Professor Treviño is a graduate of Baylor University where he was awarded the Thomas Stewart Award for Vocal Excellence. He is a former member of San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera Program and was a winner in the Loren L. Zachary Foundation Competition, Dallas Opera Competition, the Fort Worth Opera McCammon Voice Competition, and the 2010 Austin Critics Table Award.