Davóne Tines is a force to be reckoned with in the world of classical music. His electrifying performances have captivated audiences, earning him numerous accolades including Musical America's vocalist of the year and a 2024 Chanel next prize for international contemporary artists who are redefining their disciplines. But what sets him apart from his peers is not just his incredible talent, but also his unwavering commitment to artistic agency.
For Tines, being an artist is about more than just performing music - it's about making a statement and choosing how he exists in the world as an individual. "It's saying, 'I have an engagement within the larger world and I'm choosing to exist in it in a certain way'," he explains. This mindset informs every aspect of his creative process, from the way he approaches commissions to the way he interacts with institutions.
Tines is particularly passionate about pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms in classical music. He believes that art should be a metaphor for life, and that ideas and concepts are transferable and scalable. To this end, he has commissioned several works that blend genres and push the limits of what is considered acceptable in opera and classical music.
One such work, Concerto No 2: Anthem, showcases Tines's vision for "lateral" artistic agency - a concept where the artist takes an active role in shaping their own creative destiny. By commissioning himself as an artist to create a piece for the orchestra, he is taking control of his own narrative and refusing to be relegated to the role of mere performer.
Tines's goal with Anthem was not only to create a beautiful work of music but also to spark a conversation about empathy, respect, and understanding. As the US celebrates its 250th anniversary year, Tines hopes that his music can help foster a sense of true empathy and connection among people from diverse backgrounds.
As he prepares for his upcoming performances at the Barbican and other venues around the world, it is clear that Davóne Tines is a force to be reckoned with. His passion, creativity, and commitment to artistic agency make him a true leader in the classical music world, and his work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and challenge audiences for years to come.
For Tines, being an artist is about more than just performing music - it's about making a statement and choosing how he exists in the world as an individual. "It's saying, 'I have an engagement within the larger world and I'm choosing to exist in it in a certain way'," he explains. This mindset informs every aspect of his creative process, from the way he approaches commissions to the way he interacts with institutions.
Tines is particularly passionate about pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms in classical music. He believes that art should be a metaphor for life, and that ideas and concepts are transferable and scalable. To this end, he has commissioned several works that blend genres and push the limits of what is considered acceptable in opera and classical music.
One such work, Concerto No 2: Anthem, showcases Tines's vision for "lateral" artistic agency - a concept where the artist takes an active role in shaping their own creative destiny. By commissioning himself as an artist to create a piece for the orchestra, he is taking control of his own narrative and refusing to be relegated to the role of mere performer.
Tines's goal with Anthem was not only to create a beautiful work of music but also to spark a conversation about empathy, respect, and understanding. As the US celebrates its 250th anniversary year, Tines hopes that his music can help foster a sense of true empathy and connection among people from diverse backgrounds.
As he prepares for his upcoming performances at the Barbican and other venues around the world, it is clear that Davóne Tines is a force to be reckoned with. His passion, creativity, and commitment to artistic agency make him a true leader in the classical music world, and his work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and challenge audiences for years to come.