Baritone Lawrence Mitchell-Matthews was the first-place prize winner of the Thomas Wilkins Young Artist of Tomorrow Award, named after the African American conductor in residence for the Detroit Symphony. He sang solo excerpts from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Singapore Symphony Orchestra with conductor Tsung Yeh. Mitchell-Matthews performed with the Ezio Pinza Council for the American Singers of Opera program in Oderzo, Italy, under the direction of Claudia Pinza. He was awarded first prize in Dr. J LanYe’s 3rd American Spiritual Collegiate Solo Voice Competition. Mitchell-Matthews performed with the Chautauqua Symphony under the baton of Metropolitan Opera conductor Steven Osgood. He received the Jon Vickers Distinguished Award and the Jessye Norman Most Promising Singer Award. Mitchell-Matthews performed in the world premiere of the opera As You Like It by Roger Steptoe, based on Shakespeare’s play with Notre Dame Opera. Mitchell-Matthews’ voice has been described as rich, honey-toned, and crystal clear by the Charleston Herald. Mitchell-Matthews loves to share his gift and the healing power of music with all.