Morris Robinson
Morris Robinson
Artistic Advisor
After performing with Cincinnati Opera numerous times, bass Morris Robinson is currently serving as artistic advisor to the company. Robinson has previously appeared as Porgy in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess (2019), Ferrando in Il Trovatore (2015), Ramfis in Aida (2013), the Night Watchman in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (2010), and the Grand Inquisitor in Don Carlo (2009). A regular performer at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, he made his role debut as Porgy at Teatro alla Scala in Milan in 2016.
“In addition to his breathtaking talent, Morris is a fantastic colleague and a true team player,” said Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera. “I am thrilled that he will join us in this capacity, and I happily anticipate the positive impact his involvement will have on our company.”
As Cincinnati Opera’s artistic advisor, Robinson will contribute to both the company’s public offerings and internal planning. The role will involve such activities as performing, master classes, community engagement activities, and speaking engagements, as well as working with Opera staff and board members to develop programming. The initial three-year appointment will continue through the 2020 season, which will mark the company’s 100th anniversary.
No stranger to community engagement, Robinson has performed in several Opera Goes to Church concerts and has appeared onstage at a Friday Flow concert at Washington Park to speak about opera.
“It is indeed an honor and a privilege to be appointed to this position,” said Robinson. “Cincinnati has been the city in which I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing a variety of professional firsts. As my musical performances there have been both exciting and enjoyable, I am exponentially more excited about the tremendous opportunity to work intricately with Cincinnati Opera in this new and exciting administrative capacity. I’m looking forward to joining the team and working with the company in their efforts to continuously promote and share the incredible beauty of this art form that we all truly love.”