Matthew Melendez Blegen used to make his living singing the praises of others. After graduating at the top of his class from the country’s leading communications school, he began a career as ad creative on Madison Avenue. Fifteen years and about three thousand miles later, he found himself in the technology industry as a senior public relations and marketing executive at the height of the 1990s technology boom. Music was never far away though, and Matthew also performed regularly as a professional classical vocalist throughout the majority of his high-tech career with organizations such as the New Jersey State Opera, New York Oratorio Society, William Hall Master Chorale, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Opera Orchestra of Los Angeles, and Portland Pro Musica, and performed as a studio musician on movie soundtracks and dozens of CDs. In 2003 he was given the opportunity to study with world-renowned tenor Vinson Cole as part of the Master of Music program at the University of Washington. Upon completing that degree magna cum laude in 2006, he founded the Anna’s Bay Center for Music, combining his love for music and belief in its power to build community with his business and marketing skills. Today, in addition to leading Anna’s Bay, Matthew continues his vocal study with internationally-acclaimed soprano Jane Eaglen, teaches privately, is a guest soloist for ensembles in both Seattle and Portland, and doesn’t spend nearly enough time with his old dog Tucker.
For more information about Anna’s Bay’s upcoming events, visit www.annasbay.org. Hear Matthew perform “Encantamiento” (Enchanter) by Argentinean composer Carlos Guastavino, adapted from the poetry of Gabriela Mistral.