Hawaii Opera Theatre -- Mozart’s THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
“‘Figaro’ has an astonishing 11 named roles, each one a gem. HOT’s cast made the most of their moments, adding so many comic details, it was challenging to catch them all: Kevin Glavin and Jenni Bank as the bustlingly bourgeois Doctor Bartolo and Marcellina; scene-stealing Jamie Offenbach as Antonio; vivacious Martina Bingham (no relation) as Barbarina; outrageous Joseph Gaines as both Don Basilio and Don Curzio; and the delightful HOT Opera chorus as everyone else.”
— Honolulu Star-Advertiser (2020)
Central City Opera -- Britten’s BILLY BUDD
“The always wonderful Joseph Gaines makes the most of his scenes as the sycophantic Squeak.”
— The Weekly Register-Call (2019)
Central City Opera -- Puccini’s MADAMA BUTTERFLY
“Of the supporting cast, the fine tenor Joseph Gaines—another Central City stalwart—deserves mention as the oily marriage broker Goro. The character is responsible for much of the exposition, and Gaines delivers it with gusto.”
— The Weekly Register-Call (2019)
“Joseph Gaines was just obsequious and servile enough as Goro the marriage broker. He sang clearly, with just a touch of the oily flatterer in his sound.”
— Sharps and Flatirons (2019)
Resonance Works Pittsburgh -- Bach’s ST. JOHN PASSION
“As the Evangelist (who represents St. John), Joseph Gaines applies his expressive acting, impeccable diction, and commitment in a demanding role that includes a late aria–after singing throughout the entire piece. While Gaines has been heard often in Pittsburgh, Sellner intently sought out this in-demand tenor with whom she first worked on this same oratorio a decade ago. Gaines is very busy, delightfully providing exposition and commentary around the major points of St. John’s familiar, but nonetheless absorbing account.”
— Pittsburgh in the Round (2019)
On Site Opera -- AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS:
“To see Moore lift her weary and frazzled head from the soup kitchen table and open up her shining voice, to hear the exquisite harmonies from Belcher, tenor Joseph Gaines as Kaspar, and bass Musa Ngqungwana as Balthazar, offers the rare experience of discovering the extraordinary in what one casually overlooks in ordinary everyday life.”
— The New York Classical Review (2018)
“The Magi offered complementary virtues: tenor Joseph Gaines’ crystalline diction, bass-baritone Musa Ngqungwana’s majestic legato, and, above all, baritone Daniel Belcher’s heartbreaking sweetness of voice and personality.”
— The New York Observer (2018)
“ The Three Kings — baritone Daniel Belcher as the leader Melchior, bass Musa Ngqungwana as the dignified Balthazar, and tenor Joseph Gaines as the daffy Caspar — were sonorous and entertaining, both as an integrated ensemble and as distinct individuals.”
— Classical Voice America (2018)
“Caspar (tenor Joseph Gaines), in a ratty fur hat and sporting a fantastic ear trumpet, toted about a paper parrot in a cage. With his mystical gaze, Melchior (Daniel Belcher) was regal and remote in a Burger King crown and an array of buttons on his tattered finery. (‘I won at Harrah’s!’ was my favorite.) Imposing and grand, with a turban on his head and strings of beads around his neck, King Balthazar (Musa Ngqungwana) generated the most vocal and personal warmth of the three. Their voices were at one with their characters: multi-faceted, authoritative and resonant.”
— Seen And Heard International (2018)
“As the tenor-baritone-bass trio of the Three Kings, you couldn’t ask for a better blend than Joseph Gaines, Daniel Belcher and Musa Ngqungwana. Individually, each voice is perfection, so together their harmonies are nothing short of splendid. The three offer depth and dimensions to familiar personas that we recognize from denizens of the street: Mr. Belcher is a hopeless dreamer, Mr. Gaines appears to be quite mad and Mr. Ngqungwana struggles with physical disability.”
— Schmopera (2018)
“In the hands of tenor Joseph Gaines (King Caspar), baritone Daniel Belcher (King Melchior) and bass Musa Ngqungwana (King Balthazar), the Wise Men gave the right tone, even if not dressed resplendently. (Jessica Jahn did the creative costuming.) ”
— BroadwayWorld (2018)
“It also helped that these three characters were portrayed by real singing actors. As Kaspar, Gaines was energetic and over-the-top in a very childlike way; his rendition of the aria “this is my box” was sung with a charming innocence not unlike that of many homeless people you meet on the street.”
— Opera Wire (2018)
Lyric Fest -- DARON HAGEN: 21-ST CENTURY SONG CYCLES (Naxos):
“Justine Aronson and Joseph Gaines (members, as are all the soloists, of the Philadelphia-based song festival Lyric Fest) have the flexible, immediately engaging quality of the best cabaret singers.... Pianist Laura Ward has thoroughly excavated these often-challenging accompaniments, playing them with mastery and character.”
— Opera News -- Recordings in Review (2018)
San Diego Opera -- TURANDOT:
“Ping, Pang and Pong were enthusiastically embodied by respectively, Marco Nistico; Joseph Gaines, and Joel Sorenson... Mr. Gaines, as Pang, showed off his well-schooled, poised tenor all the while investing the part with his usual animation and dramatic commitment.”
— Opera Today (2018)
“Marco Nisticò as Ping, Joseph Gaines as Pang and Joel Sorenson as Pong sang well and provided comic relief with sardonic comments about the brutal actions of fellow members of the royal court and the blood-thirsty populace.”
— BroadwayWorld.com (2018)
“They’re not quite the egregious Asian stereotype as usually seen and they’re well sung by baritone Marco Nisticò as Ping, Joseph Gaines as Pang and Joel Sorenson as Pong (who played Pang in the 2011 production).”
— San Diego Tribune (2018)
Utah Opera -- MOBY-DICK (New Production):
“Other cast standouts included Joseph Gaines’s Flask and Craig Irvin’s Stubb, who provided lighthearted moments, and Jasmine Habersham, whose voice floated freely above the otherwise male cast in the trouser role of Pip.”
— Opera News (2018)
“The rest of the Pequod’s motley crew are strongly cast all round with another fine baritone, Craig Irvin, as the playful Stubb and Joseph Gaines’ laser beam tenor piercing the musical darkness as Flask. ”
— Limelight Magazine, Australia (2018)
“Joseph Gaines turned in his usual high quality performance as Flask, marked by a well-defined characterization, a good sense of fun, and a securely deployed tenor. His buddy, Stubb was enthusiastically impersonated by Craig Irvin, who showed off a shining, meaty baritone that was steady even as he was called upon to simultaneously do a sprightly jig. Indeed both Mssrs. Gaines and Irvin were delightfully fleet of foot in their animated performances.”
— Opera Today (2018)
“Other standouts included soprano Jasmine Habersham as the lively cabin boy Pip, tenor Joseph Gaines and baritone Craig Irvin as sailors Flask and Stubb, and bass-baritone Jesús Vicente Murillo as the captain of a passing ship.”
— The Salt Lake Tribune (2018)
“Rounding out the cast were tenor Joseph Gaines (Flask); baritone Craig Irvin (Stubb); Nigerian baritone Babatunde Akinboboye (Daggoo); tenor, and Utah native, Keanu Aiono-Netzler (Tashtego); baritone Jesús Vicente Murillo (Captain Gardiner and the Spanish Sailor); and tenor, and Utah native, Anthony Buck (Nantucket Sailor). All gave first-rate performances, and their singing and acting were on an equal footing with those of the main characters.”
— OperaWire (2018)
Opera Philadelphia -- ELIZABETH CREE (WORLD PREMIERE):
“The brilliantly written part of the melancholy comic Dan Leno—half Sportin’ Life, half Cabaret M.C. , with a superimposed Brittenesque tinta—offered a field day to light tenor Joseph Gaines, who met the challenge with vocal skill and superb physicality. ”
— Opera News (2017)
“Terrific as they are, the scene-stealer here is Joseph Gaines, playing one of the music hall stars—he dances, acts, and sings (with a hauntingly heady tenor) with almost insouciant ease, and every word is clear. ”
— Philadelphia Magazine (2017)
“Tenor Joseph Gaines is spectacular as the music-hall comedian, a triple-threat with his acting, dancing and singing. ”
— DC Metro Theater Arts (2017)
“But as good as Mack is—-and she is very, very good—-the opera is stolen by Joseph Gaines as music hall star Dan Leno, who was a real-life, and still beloved, star from the Victorian era in England. Gaines sings, he acts, he dances. Indeed, whenever Gaines is on stage, everything else revolves around him.”
— Feast of Music (2017)
“...a stellar cast, led by the lush, vibrant mezzo Daniela Mack as Elizabeth, ably abetted by baritone Troy Cook as her husband John and tenor Joseph Gaines in a star-turn as music hall celebrity Dan Leno.”
— BroadwayWorld (2017)
“Tenor Joseph Gaines, as the music-hall comic Dan Leno, was every inch his camped-up real life inspiration, from his Cockney maid persona with braids jutting out from the side of his head to his po-faced corralling of the troupe, when conversation became vulgar, into morally ‘higher ground’ (a refrain so funny in its mealy-mouthed respectability, as to give rise to a loud chuckle each time it came around).”
— BachTrack (2017)
“Threatening to run away with the show, tenor Joseph Gaines is a tour de force as the wiry, wily Dan Leno. Mr. Gaines is arguably one of the finest, most complete singing actors in opera today, and he commanded attention whenever he was on stage. Assuming any number of guises (including uninhibited drag) as a headliner in the music hall segments, he is agile, fleet-footed, energetic and wickedly entertaining. When he drops his performer persona and becomes Leno the man, he is equally capable of engaging our attention with warmly communicated humanity. Moreover, Joe has a wonderfully schooled, innately appealing tenor that is capable of lyricism of considerable beauty.”
— Opera Today (2017)
“Joseph Gaines as Dan Leno will rivet your attention from the moment you lay eyes on him. His nuanced singing, allied with exceptional diction, enhances his terrific stage presence.”
— Philly Gay Calendar (2017)
“It was strongly cast, with the powerhouse mezzo Daniela Mack in the title role... Also potent were tenor Joseph Gaines as Dan Leno, the music hall clown, baritone Troy Cook as John Cree, Elizabeth’s husband, and Deanna Breiwick as Aveline, her rival. ”
— The Wall Street Journal (2017)
“The most successful role and performance is that of tenor Joseph Gaines. He portrays a music hall standup comic who is admired by Elizabeth Cree and the rest of London. He may be a whippersnapper, but he is also full of feeling and delivers a particularly touching aria on the woes of the world. Gaines has several voices in which he can sing and brings variety and humor to a story that is essentially dark.”
— Berkshire Fine Arts (2017)
“Joseph Gaines brings unexpected gravitas to the role of comedian Dan Leno, the ‘whippersnapper, clog dancer, funny man…’”
— TheaterJones (2017)
“Joseph Gaines, Deanna Breiwick, Matt Boehler, Melissa Parks, and Jason Ferrante make a wonderfully entertaining group of comedians. Their roles are executed with a combination of effective physical comedy and very fine singing. Joseph Gaines is especially entertaining, and the role of Dan Leno is a perfect fit.”
— Schmopera (2017)
“...the production boasted uniformly winning performances, with stand-out turns by mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack, lusciously dark of vocal tone and agile of expression in the title role; baritone Troy Cook, rich-voiced, sinister and seductive as the man she marries; and tenor Joseph Gaines in the role of the big-hearted little clown-impresario Dan Leno who takes pity on the destitute Elizabeth and helps make her a star.
Indeed, Gaines’ role subtly blossoms through the course of the action to become the opera’s de facto conscience, and has some of the opera’s most affecting, enigmatically beautiful vocal set pieces.”
Indeed, Gaines’ role subtly blossoms through the course of the action to become the opera’s de facto conscience, and has some of the opera’s most affecting, enigmatically beautiful vocal set pieces.”
— MyScena.com (2017)
The Crypt Sessions -- CREE IN THE CRYPT:
“In this finale of the Crypt Sessions’ second season, Mack joined with tenor Joseph Gaines and pianist-composer Kevin Puts for perfectly calibrated hour-long concert that made old music sound vivid and a new work sound as if it had been there all along, just waiting to be revealed”
— New York Magazine (2017)
“Gaines, a tenor with a light, dangerously honed voice and a diabolical stage presence, sang Tel jour telle nuit, Poulenc’s setting of verse by the symbolist poet of Paul Éluard. An empty shell, a lost flag, nocturnal glimmerings — Gaines didn’t miss an opportunity to give each syllable and image its full portion of creepiness.”
— Vulture.com (2017)
“Joseph Gaines is a tenor who seems to be able to do anything. He can change his voice within an aria, and use notes to create character. Gaines also can sing perfectly beautifully, which he did in Francis Poulenc’s Tel jour telle nuit. Visually he hunkers into himself at the end of a song, and then erupts up and straight as he begins anew. He is sinuous, physical and finds humor where he can. ”
— Berkshire Fine Arts (2017)
“Puts and Campbell put together a medley of arias and duets from the opera that showcased both Mack and Gaines’ voices but also put on display their acting skills as well as chemistry. It also presented the melodic music that Puts has written for the work. The medley was made up of five pieces that were enthusiastically met by audiences.”
— OperaWire (2017)
“The fascinating excerpts of Puts’ score (Pulitzer winner with Campbell for SILENT NIGHT in 2012), with its chromatic weaving, found a perfect conduit in the velvet authority of flexible mezzo Daniela Mack. She was seconded by tenor Joseph Gaines who skillfully drew her music hall partner Dan Leno. ”
— BroadwayWorld.com (2017)
“Mack sang the title role, while Gaines sang the role of Dan
Leno, an old-time Music Hall star. Their chemistry was infectious,
and the ovation at the end well-deserved. No doubt I wasn’t the
only one in the room newly interested in making a trip to Philly this fall.”
Leno, an old-time Music Hall star. Their chemistry was infectious,
and the ovation at the end well-deserved. No doubt I wasn’t the
only one in the room newly interested in making a trip to Philly this fall.”
— FeastofMusic.com (2017)
Resonance Works Pittsburgh -- FALSTAFF:
“In addition, the production brought back to town (after too long an absence) the gifted tenor Joseph Gaines, who was delightful as the priggish, uptight Dr. Caius...”
— The Pittsburgh Tatler (2017)
Hawaii Opera Theatre -- THE TALES OF HOFFMANN:
“Also excellent in a multi-character performance was Joseph Gaines, who plays four servants, some bumbling and incompetent, others wickedly sycophantic. His clear tenor cut through the orchestra like a hot knife through butter.”
— The Honolulu Star-Advertiser (2017)
Virginia Opera -- TURANDOT:
“Ping (bass-baritone Keith Brow), Pang (tenor Ian McEuen) and Pong (the lively Joseph Gaines) are the court ministers who, tired of the endless bloodshed, reminisce about their peaceful homes and try to dissuade the determined Calaf from accepting Turandot’s deadly challenge. Groag gives the trio dimension as individuals as well as comic relief.”
— The Virginian-Pilot (2017)
“As Shakespeare does in his tragedies, Puccini’s libretto and music offers us some comic interludes in the face of Turandot’s cruelty. The comic relief comes in the form of a trio of court advisors—Ping, Pang and Pong—that seem to leap from the pages of a Gilbert & Sullivan score to scurry about offering warnings to the “Unknown Prince,” but alternating them with please as to the harm his choices may cause.
Enthusiastically sung by baritone Keith Brown, and tenors Ian McEuen and Joseph Gaines respectively, this trio of Chinese bureaucratic flunkies lightens the mood while also providing a touch of political satire to the proceedings.”
Enthusiastically sung by baritone Keith Brown, and tenors Ian McEuen and Joseph Gaines respectively, this trio of Chinese bureaucratic flunkies lightens the mood while also providing a touch of political satire to the proceedings.”
— CDN (2017)
Opera Philadelphia -- TURANDOT:
“Providing all of the comic relief in delicious morsels are Ping, Pang, and Pong (Daniel Belcher, Julius Ahn, and Joseph Gaines respectively). As the clowns of the piece, these three also bring an air of world-weariness and wisdom, combining in their style to become a sort of tramp to the darkly intense tale. They wear robes and tassels as you might expect from a traditional telling, but also natty hats and spats in an almost fluorescent palette.”
— DC Metro Theater Arts (2016)
“The trio of ministers, Ping, Pang, and Pong, often depicted as either racial stereotypes or Commedia dell’ arte caricatures, were earnestly portrayed by Daniel Belcher, Julius Ahn, and Joseph Gaines. ”
— Phindie.com (2016)
Utah Opera -- LE NOZZE DI FIGARO:
“Tenor Joseph Gaines, portrayed as a curly gingerheaded Basilio, excelled as a handkerchief carrying dandy—always at the center of intrigue and gossip.”
— Opera News (2016)
Opera Las Vegas -- MADAMA BUTTERFLY:
“The role of Goro, the comically cynical matchmaker, who sells Cio-cio San to Pinkerton was well sung and acted by tenor Joseph Gaines, who was both amusing and sinister.”
— Las Vegas Review Journal (2015)
Opera Colorado -- THE MAGIC FLUTE:
“One of the most intriguing aspects of the production is the handling of the problematic role of Monostatos. The character was written as a very negative racial stereotype, but Witzke deftly sidesteps almost all of these aspects simply by having tenor Joseph Gaines wear a ridiculous — but wonderful — costume and replacing references to “blackness” with “ugliness.” Gaines plays the role with villainous delight and was a crowd favorite.”
— Daily Camera (2015)
Opera Philadelphia -- OSCAR:
“Joseph Gaines and Benjamin Sieverding were genuinely pesky and genuinely threatening as Queensberry’s agents sent to keep Wilde from enjoying London prior to his sentencing.”
— Neal's Paper (2015)
Central City Opera -- DEAD MAN WALKING:
“All four singers in the roles of the victims’ parents are excellent, including tenor Joseph Gaines and sopranos Karina Brazas and Claire Shackleton, but baritone Robert Orth stands out as the murdered girl’s father, a role that could be thankless, but whose perspective is absolutely necessary.”
— The Daily Camera (2014)
“Other, more one-dimensional supporting roles are well handled: Thomas Hammons as the warden; Jason Baldwin as the unsympathetic Father Grenville; Karina Brazas, Claire Shackleton and Joseph Gaines as mourning parents.”
— Sharps and Flatirons (2014)
Central City Opera -- LE NOZZE DI FIGARO:
“Mezzo-soprano Claire Shackleton, bass Thomas Hammons and tenor Joseph Gaines round out the main cast as troublemakers Marcellina, Doctor Bartolo and Don Basilio. All are excellent...”
— The Daily Camera (2014)
“Each of the artists gives an all-out performance, in both singing and acting; there’s not a weak link in the bunch. Soprano Anna Christy as Susanna is charming; bass-baritone Michael Sumuel in his CCO debut is a fine Figaro. The other main characters are Countess - Sinéad Mulhern; Count - Edward Parks; Bartolo - Thomas Hammons; Cherubino - Tamara Gura; Basilio - Joseph Gaines; Marcellina - Claire Shackleton.”
— Examiner.com (2014)
“Strong work from Thomas Hammons as Don Bartolo, Joseph Gaines as Don Basilio, and Julie Tabash as Barbarina.”
— ColoradoDrama.com (2014)
“Joseph Gaines is channeling a deviant Mr. Clean.”
— Operagasm (2014)
Lyric Fest -- Dear March -- Come In!
“Singing was excellent. Guests soprano Kiera Duffy and tenor Joseph Gaines were charismatic additions to ever-capable regulars baritone Randall Scarlata and mezzo-soprano Suzanne DuPlantis, all enjoying inspired collaborations with pianist Laura Ward.”
— The Philadelphia Inquirer
“...[Gaines’] style made him a perfect fit for wilder items like Ned Rorem’s visit to the mental ward.”
— The Broad Street Review (2014)
“...[Gaines’] “Visit to St. Elizabeth’s”, text by Elizabeth Bishop, setting by Ned Rorem, was memorably harrowing.”
— Secret Geometry (2014)
Utah Opera -- Turandot:
“The trio of baritone Daniel Belcher and tenors Julius Ahn and Joseph Gaines as Ping, Pang and Pong stole the show with well-choreographed antics, detailed characterizations and an arresting comedic touch. Singing and dancing in long-johns, embossed with Chinese printing, capped with whimsically anachronistic headgear and twirling umbrellas, their quasi soft-shoe “Ho una casa nell’Honan” was a brief but welcome diversion.”
— Opera News (2014)
“Daniel Belcher, Julius Ahn and Joseph Gaines offer charming comic relief, with a surprising thread of humanity, as the bureaucrats Ping, Pang and Pong”
— The Salt Lake Tribune (2014)
“Daniel Belcher, Julius Ahn and Joseph Gaines were outstanding as Ping, Pang, and Pong...”
— Opera (2014)
“Baritone Daniel Belcher as Ping and tenors Julius Ahn and Joseph Gaines as Pang and Pong, respectively, were outstanding. Their characters bring much needed humor to the story and the three were absolutely on the mark in their singing and characterizations.”
— Reichel Arts Review (2014)
“We try to have a happy, jovial room if we can,’ Quick added as tenor Joseph Gaines burst into an impromptu rendition of ‘Brave Sir Robin’ from ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ in the makeup chair behind him.”
— From "A brush with greatness: Behind the scenes with Utah Opera," The Salt Lake Tribune (2014)
Opera Omnia -- THE RETURN OF ULYSSES:
“In an otherwise fast-paced second act, you had no reason to want to spend so much time with the glutton Irus on his way to his suicide: no reason, that is, apart from the fine singing of Joseph Gaines.”
— The New York Times (2013)
“Karim Sulayman and Joseph Gaines were standouts as Eumaeus and Irus... the highpoint of the opera was Irus’ aria prior to his suicide. Gaines was gripping...”
— The New York Classical Review (2013)
“Another supporting character is played by Joseph Gaines, whose role as the beggar Irus is delightful; he exudes an incredibly captivating stage presence.”
— Frequent Business Traveler (2013)
“As the parasitic Iro, Joseph Gaines delivered a comic performance that climaxed with a moving suicide.”
— SuperConductor (2013)
Interview: MuseDialogue -- A journal for contemplation and discussion of the arts
"In the case of opera, you have to think about those studying voice in conservatories around the country. They work so hard to celebrate an art, to have it endure, but one cannot help but to think that this passion faces some of the toughest odds. ... There must be some good stories in there. There are, and Joseph Gaines is one of them."
-- Andrew Swensen (MuseDialogue):
[For the full article, see: musedialogue.org/articles-by-genre/performing-arts/the-future-of-opera-a-series/joseph-gaines-the-story-of-opera-and-of-an-artist/ ]
-- Andrew Swensen (MuseDialogue):
[For the full article, see: musedialogue.org/articles-by-genre/performing-arts/the-future-of-opera-a-series/joseph-gaines-the-story-of-opera-and-of-an-artist/ ]
Opera Theater of Pittsburgh SummerFest -- The Tales of Hoffmann
The entire performance tingled with raw energy... Joseph Gaines exhibited stage-savvy in four comic servant roles..."-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2013)
Opera Philadelphia -- The Magic Flute
"...Joseph Gaines had one of the finest voices...."-Philadelphia Inquirer (2013)
"Joseph Gaines embodied a vocally correct servant Monostatos of great theatrical effervescence."
-ProOpera (2013)
-ProOpera (2013)
"The thankless role is well played by tenor Joseph Gaines as something like the hypersexual but unthreatening Dean on Community."
-Philadelphia City Paper (2013)
-Philadelphia City Paper (2013)
"Elizabeth Zaroff’s Pamina displayed spirit, and Joseph Gaines’s Monostatos was suitably randy."
-Broad Street Review (2013)
-Broad Street Review (2013)
Pittsburgh Opera -- Madama Butterfly
"Joseph Gaines projected Goro's lines meaningfully, making this supporting role a figure to be reckoned with."
"Joseph Gaines projected Goro's lines meaningfully, making this supporting role a figure to be reckoned with."
-Opera News (2013)
"I did appreciate Joseph Gaines' portrayal of Goro as fully human. This character can sometimes be played as despicable, but the marriage broker does look out for Butterfly, even desperately trying to arrange a second marriage with the rich Prince Yamadori (Kyle Olvier) that would set her up for life."
-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2013)
-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2013)
"Secondary roles were generally well handled, including Joseph Gaines' colorful marriage broker Goro and Dwayne Croft's agonized Sharpless."
-Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (2013)
Lyric Fest -- "New Journey into Song: A Winter's Journey"
-Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (2013)
Lyric Fest -- "New Journey into Song: A Winter's Journey"
"Joseph Gaines, brought in on short notice when the original singer canceled, completely embodied the music with his light tenor, committing body and soul to the music in ways one rarely sees."
-The Philadelphia Inquirer (2013)
-The Philadelphia Inquirer (2013)
Ars Lyrica Houston -- "La Dirindina" (Sono Luminus Records)
"...word play squeezed for all it is worth by the score and delivered with relish by the young tenor, Joseph Gaines.... there is real testosterone in Gaines’ singing, assured and mocking. "
-CounterPunch (2013)
-CounterPunch (2013)
"The three vocalists in 'La Dirindina' are perfectly cast... Gaines' Liscione manages to sound at once smarmy and earnest (see the recitative 'Ma quel che piu pilotta'), using a little catch in his voice, a Salieri-esqe crackle, and a strong falsetto to great comedic effect."
-Early Music America (2013)
-Early Music America (2013)
"... Joseph Gaines’s Liscione is played to fine comic effect."
-Fanfare (2013)
-Fanfare (2013)
"For this recording, Dirst has assembled a fine cast - mezzo Jamie Barton, tenor Joseph Gaines and baritone Brian Shircliffe - to bring the piece to life."
-The Houston Chronicle (2012)
The Washington Bach Consort -- "Kings and Commoners"
-The Houston Chronicle (2012)
The Washington Bach Consort -- "Kings and Commoners"
"The tenor Joseph Gaines sang elegantly with a sense of stylistic finesse. His tone contained a wonderful variety of nuances, with the vibrato evenly placed. The projection of his vocal delivery was generous, negotiating the demands of the composer’s involved writing with graceful ease."
-Washington Life (2012)
-Washington Life (2012)
"Besides [Jon] Bruno, the excellent vocal soloists were soprano Rebecca Kellerman Petretta, alto Kristen Dubenion-Smith and tenor Joseph Gaines."
-The Washington Post (2012)
-The Washington Post (2012)
As Maximillian in Opera Theater Summerfest's CANDIDE;
with Katherine Brandt as the Baroness, and James Critchfield as the Baron.
Opera Theater of Pittsburgh -- Candide
"Joseph Gaines matched [Abigail Dueppen's Cunegonde] with his adept singing and playing as Cunegonde’s equally superficial and sexually exploited brother Maximilian."
-Gordon Spencer on WRCT (2012)
Pittsburgh Opera -- The Abduction from the Seraglio
"Pedrillo received a dramatically decisive interpretation from Joseph Gaines, with more than a whiff of actor David Spade's trademark obsequiousness."
-Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (2012)
"By the time the locomotive pulled into Paris and the Pasha had reluctantly freed the lovers, it was clear that this was one of the most compelling and visually appealing productions the Pittsburgh Opera has ever staged."
-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2012)
"David Portillo and Joseph Gaines made for a delightful pair as the heroic Belmonte and his servant, Pedrillo."
-Opera Pulse (2012)
Apollo's Fire -- The Magic Flute
Apollo's Fire -- The Magic Flute
"... music director Jeannette Sorrell and superb colleagues have created a lithe 'Magic Flute' of captivating and touching vibrancy."
-The Plain Dealer (2012)
"... the two priests who accompany Sarastro (Jeffrey Strauss and Joseph Gaines) sparkled in excellent ensemble singing."
-ClevelandClassical (2012)
Teatro Grattacielo – I Compagnacci
Teatro Grattacielo – I Compagnacci
"Tenor Joseph Gaines took full advantage of his moments as Anna Maria's spurned suitor Noferi."
-Opera News (2011)
"Joseph Gaines, as the unattractive and rejected suitor, had an amusing delivery of the most memorable tune in the opera."
-Opera Today (2011)
Central City Opera – Madama Butterfly
-Opera Today (2011)
Central City Opera – Madama Butterfly
"Other standout performances include ... tenor Joseph Gaines who is well-cast as Goro, the creepy and conniving marriage broker."
-The Denver Post (2010)
"This is — in sum — is Puccini staged by a troupe of masters who bring new insight — and emotion — to the overworked score. "
-Opera Today (2010)
"There were other commendable supporting roles that went into making this a very emotional and satisfying performance. Among these were Joseph Gaines as the Marriage Broker..."
-The Weekly Register-Call (2010)
Teatro Grattacielo – I Gioielli Della Madonna
-The Denver Post (2010)
"This is — in sum — is Puccini staged by a troupe of masters who bring new insight — and emotion — to the overworked score. "
-Opera Today (2010)
"There were other commendable supporting roles that went into making this a very emotional and satisfying performance. Among these were Joseph Gaines as the Marriage Broker..."
-The Weekly Register-Call (2010)
Teatro Grattacielo – I Gioielli Della Madonna
"It was terrific fun, and interesting, to hear the full-throttled performance that Teatro Grattacielo presented here, with David Wroe conducting a large and committed cast, the Westfield Symphony Orchestra, the combined Cantori New York and Long Island University Chorus, the Chinese American Children’s Chorus, and — essential to the performance — the Due Colori Ensemble of mandolins and guitars."
-The New York Times (2010)
"The rest of the very large cast were all excellent in their varied roles including Mark Cortale as Biaso, Joseph Gaines as Ciccillo, John Tiranno as Totonno, Damian Savarino as Rocco, Mark Womack and Timothy Birt as two young men and Lawrence Long as the blind man."
-Opera-L (2010)
"On the strength of the excellent concert performance presented by Teatro Grattacielo at Rose Hall last Monday, Wolf-Ferrari might be worthy of more attention ... The many small roles were cast with Teatro Grattacielo’s usual expertise."
-Opera Today (2010)
Pittsburgh Opera – The Marriage of Figaro
"In the double assignment of Basilio/Curzio, Joseph Gaines's bright tenor cut through the crowd, and he managed to differentiate the characters effectively. "
-Opera News (2010)
"Joseph Gaines' Don Basilio was wonderfully wooden."
-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2010)
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra – The Rake's Progress
-The New York Times (2010)
"The rest of the very large cast were all excellent in their varied roles including Mark Cortale as Biaso, Joseph Gaines as Ciccillo, John Tiranno as Totonno, Damian Savarino as Rocco, Mark Womack and Timothy Birt as two young men and Lawrence Long as the blind man."
-Opera-L (2010)
"On the strength of the excellent concert performance presented by Teatro Grattacielo at Rose Hall last Monday, Wolf-Ferrari might be worthy of more attention ... The many small roles were cast with Teatro Grattacielo’s usual expertise."
-Opera Today (2010)
Pittsburgh Opera – The Marriage of Figaro
"In the double assignment of Basilio/Curzio, Joseph Gaines's bright tenor cut through the crowd, and he managed to differentiate the characters effectively. "
-Opera News (2010)
"Joseph Gaines' Don Basilio was wonderfully wooden."
-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2010)
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra – The Rake's Progress
"On Thursday night at St. Paul's Ordway Center, the SPCO, Minnesota Chorale, conductor Edo de Waart and seven very impressive vocal soloists performed a "Rake's Progress" that will likely be looked back upon as the triumph of this festival. Impeccably executed with unflagging energy and inspiring musicianship, it not only illuminated the composer's genius, but left the enthusiastic audience debating who deserved the greatest praise for its success."
-The St. Paul Pioneer Press (2010)
"This was partly due to the excellence of the cast members, who managed not only to relate to one another while standing in front of their music stands but to create believable characters. Continually impressive was William Burden in the title role, displaying a sweet tenor that took on a heroic ring in the climaxes and drawing a compelling, chameleonic character throughout. Heidi Stober was the vocally radiant Anne Trulove, Peter Coleman-Wright the subtle but sinister Nick Shadow, and mezzo Nancy Maultsby a foxy Baba the Turk. Kevin Langan, Judith Christin and Joseph Gaines were excellent in smaller roles..."
-The Minneapolis Star-Tribune (2010)
Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue – "Messiah: The Mozart Orchestrations" (Rel. 2007)
"Tenor Joseph Gaines is a fiery, evangelical soloist ... this is an excellent recording, another fine example in the growing list of english-speaking Mozart-arranged Messiahs."
-The Compleat Messiah (2010)
Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue – Messiah
-The Minneapolis Star-Tribune (2010)
Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue – "Messiah: The Mozart Orchestrations" (Rel. 2007)
"Tenor Joseph Gaines is a fiery, evangelical soloist ... this is an excellent recording, another fine example in the growing list of english-speaking Mozart-arranged Messiahs."
-The Compleat Messiah (2010)
Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue – Messiah
"The tenor, Joseph Gaines, contributed an attractively focused, shapely tone and some thoughtfully turned ornamentation."
-The New York Times (2009)
-The New York Times (2009)
Pittsburgh Opera – Falstaff
"Joseph Gaines captured the disdain of the sniveling Dr. Caius well."
-Opera News (2010)
-Opera News (2010)
"Joseph Gaines was a nasty Dr. Caius."
-The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2009)
-The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2009)
Indianapolis Opera – Ariadne auf Naxos
" Joseph Gaines sparkled vocally as Scaramuccio."
-Opera News(2009)
-Opera News(2009)
"... members of the comedy troupe made a fine ensemble..."
-The Indianapolis Star (2009)
-The Indianapolis Star (2009)
Ars Lyrica Houston – Music of Alessandro Scarlatti (NAXOS Records)
"The compact work is skillfully performed by the Houstonians."
-Gramophone (2009)
-Gramophone (2009)
"In particular the two vocal items are fine additions to the growing catalogue of Scarlatti’s vocal music. The interpreters have certainly succeeded in bringing the music’s quality into the limelight. Lovers of Alessandro Scarlatti’s music in particular should not overlook this disc."
-Johan van Veen/MusicWeb International (2009)
-Johan van Veen/MusicWeb International (2009)
"Their approach is decisive and melodious, full-bodied and confident…their singing is careful and precise."
-Mark Sealey/MusicWeb International (2009)
-Mark Sealey/MusicWeb International (2009)
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra – Handel's "Ode for St. Cecilia's Day"
"This one took me by surprise because this sort of music just doesn't stir my soul. Tenor soloist Joseph Gaines was such an exuberant performer you couldn't help but smile. He looked pretty hip, too -- more Michael Stipe than old-school orchestral."
"This one took me by surprise because this sort of music just doesn't stir my soul. Tenor soloist Joseph Gaines was such an exuberant performer you couldn't help but smile. He looked pretty hip, too -- more Michael Stipe than old-school orchestral."
-The Minneapolis Star-Tribune (2008)
"Its text was delivered not only by the choir but also by a pair of strong soloists, sweet-voiced soprano Claire Ormshaw and colorful tenor Joseph Gaines."
-The St. Paul Pioneer Press (2008)
Ars Lyrica Houston – Rockin' Rococo
"Last but not least we enjoyed the voice of tenor Joseph Gaines who sang French and German lyrics crisply and clearly so that we could understand every word."
"Last but not least we enjoyed the voice of tenor Joseph Gaines who sang French and German lyrics crisply and clearly so that we could understand every word."
-Arts Houston (2008)
Glimmerglass Opera – Das Liebesverbot
"Glimmerglass Young American Artist Joseph Gaines gave a bright characterization as the toadying Pontio Pilato."
"Glimmerglass Young American Artist Joseph Gaines gave a bright characterization as the toadying Pontio Pilato."
-Opera News (2008)
"The comic parts were entertaining, especially the contributions of tenor Joseph Gaines as Pontio Pilato (as he says, not that one)..."
-The Wall Street Journal (2008)
"Joseph Gaines, a tenor, was impressive as Pontio Pilato, by turns a flesh peddler and a jailer."
-The New York Times (2008)
-The New York Times (2008)
"Tenor Joseph Gaines (one of the Young American Artists) always makes a fine impression, and he relished every moment of his stage time (as did we) with a delectable character turn as “Pontio Pilato.” He has a pleasantly clear, well-projected voice, and very good German diction. A committed and concentrated actor, his honest and animated performance was blessedly cliche-free."
- Opera Today (2008)
"Lauren Skuce’s Dorella and Joseph Gaines Pontio Pilato showed vocal skill and assured comic presence."
- The Boston Musical Intelligencer (2008)
"Among Shakespeare’s character Pompey (another outspoken advocate of lust) is here renamed Pontio Pilato (one wonders what was going through the young Wagner’s mind) and Joseph Gaines gives a vivid portrayal."
- ConcertoNet (2008)
" Joseph Gaines as Pontius Pilate (one of the opera’s few good jokes lurks behind the name) was channeling Stanley Tucci in The Devil Wears Prada, bringing good timing and a very nice voice to the character."
- Metroland (2008)
- ConcertoNet (2008)
" Joseph Gaines as Pontius Pilate (one of the opera’s few good jokes lurks behind the name) was channeling Stanley Tucci in The Devil Wears Prada, bringing good timing and a very nice voice to the character."
- Metroland (2008)
" Among a large cast of comprimarios, the Pontio Pilato of tenor Joseph Gaines (a fusion of Shakespeare's Pompey and The Provost) stood out for his exemplary diction in the transposed dialogue with Luzio in Act 2."
- The Ithaca Journal (2008)
"Tenor Joseph Gaines was great fun as the pimp Pontio Pilato, "guilty of aiding and abetting the practice of free love."
- The Oneida Daily Dispatch (2008)
Indianapolis Opera – The Magic Flute
“Monostatos (Joseph Gaines) looked authentically Egyptian and svelte in a revealing mini-skirt and collar... Gaines sang Monostatos's music beautifully while cavorting about the stage.”
- Opera News (2007)
Glimmerglass Opera – Orpheus in the Underworld
“Joyce Castle (Public Opinion) and Jake Gardner (Jupiter) performed with skill and comic nuance, sang well, and comported themselves like the seasoned pros that they are. They were matched by a wonderfully fey, wonderfully sung “Mercury” from tenor Joseph Gaines, who by the way, also gave a lovely Young Artist’s recital at week’s end accompanied by Timothy Hoekman.”
“Monostatos (Joseph Gaines) looked authentically Egyptian and svelte in a revealing mini-skirt and collar... Gaines sang Monostatos's music beautifully while cavorting about the stage.”
- Opera News (2007)
Glimmerglass Opera – Orpheus in the Underworld
“Joyce Castle (Public Opinion) and Jake Gardner (Jupiter) performed with skill and comic nuance, sang well, and comported themselves like the seasoned pros that they are. They were matched by a wonderfully fey, wonderfully sung “Mercury” from tenor Joseph Gaines, who by the way, also gave a lovely Young Artist’s recital at week’s end accompanied by Timothy Hoekman.”
-Opera Today (2007)
“More good work came from … tenor Joseph Gaines as Mercury, who reports that ‘hell, fire and damnation are not as unsavory’ as he was led to believe. Mercury's patter song was cut from the production, but operagoers can hear Gaines sing it in French (the production is sung in English) during the pre-performance lecture.”
-The Oneida Daily Dispatch (2007)
Indianapolis Opera – Falstaff
“The sweet-voiced Bardolfo of Joseph Gaines could have been singing Fenton… The rapport and interplay between Condy, Gaines and Plourde was a particular delight.”
-Opera News (2007)
“The sweet-voiced Bardolfo of Joseph Gaines could have been singing Fenton… The rapport and interplay between Condy, Gaines and Plourde was a particular delight.”
-Opera News (2007)
Regina Opera – Madama Butterfly
“Joseph Gaines was a scene-stealing Goro, his fine robust and secure tenor and amusing deportment in his gold Japanese robe and black bowler that made him an intriguing character. Goro’s being the ‘victim’ of Cio-Cio-San’s wrath when he spread rumors that ‘Sorrow’ was not necessarily Pinkerton’s child, was very well done. Gaines had the audiences’ attention at all times. He is naturally stage-worthy.”
“Joseph Gaines was a scene-stealing Goro, his fine robust and secure tenor and amusing deportment in his gold Japanese robe and black bowler that made him an intriguing character. Goro’s being the ‘victim’ of Cio-Cio-San’s wrath when he spread rumors that ‘Sorrow’ was not necessarily Pinkerton’s child, was very well done. Gaines had the audiences’ attention at all times. He is naturally stage-worthy.”
-The Italian Voice (2007)
St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue – Messiah
“The strong soloists were ... Joseph Gaines, tenor… all of whom often sang with dramatic flair and plenty of bite.”
“The strong soloists were ... Joseph Gaines, tenor… all of whom often sang with dramatic flair and plenty of bite.”
-The New York Times (2006)
Central City Opera – The Coronation of Poppea
“Tenor Joseph Gaines makes the most of the minor role Liberto…”
-Denver Post (2006)
“Tenor Joseph Gaines makes the most of the minor role Liberto…”
-Denver Post (2006)
Houston Chamber Choir – St. John Passion
"The back-and-forth change of leadership worked without a hitch, and the performance kept momentum because of the totally engaged singing of Joseph Gaines as the Evangelist. He was the standout of the evening. In contrast to most of the other singers, his English diction was excellent. He vividly declaimed the text taken from the Gospel According to St. John. He used a wide palette of vocal colors to establish the right emotional tone for every moment. His work was filled with character."
-Houston Chronicle (2005)
"The back-and-forth change of leadership worked without a hitch, and the performance kept momentum because of the totally engaged singing of Joseph Gaines as the Evangelist. He was the standout of the evening. In contrast to most of the other singers, his English diction was excellent. He vividly declaimed the text taken from the Gospel According to St. John. He used a wide palette of vocal colors to establish the right emotional tone for every moment. His work was filled with character."
-Houston Chronicle (2005)
Houson Bach Society – St. John Passion
"...tenor Joseph Gaines sang with ardor."
-Houston Chronicle (2005)
"...tenor Joseph Gaines sang with ardor."
-Houston Chronicle (2005)
Washington Bach Consort – “Leipzig Legacy”
"Soprano Jacqueline Horner, alto Patricia Green, tenor Joseph Gaines and bass James Weaver were a uniformly strong ensemble..."
-Washington Post (2004)
"Soprano Jacqueline Horner, alto Patricia Green, tenor Joseph Gaines and bass James Weaver were a uniformly strong ensemble..."
-Washington Post (2004)
“…all four vocal soloists (Jacqueline Horner, Patricia Green, Joseph Gaines, and James Weaver) performed well.”
-Ionarts (2004)
With members of the Pittsburgh Song Collaborative after the sold-out performance of La Belle Époque Cabaret, in collaboration with the Carnegie Museum of Art. From left to right, baritone Robert Frankenberry, pianist and PSC Artistic Director Benjamin Binder, tenor Joseph Gaines, and mezzo-soprano Olga Flora. Beverages were provided by Pernod Absinthe, the event's official sponsor.
Mercury Baroque – Messiah
"...the outstanding tenor solos offered by tenor Joseph Gaines ... held the attention of the audience for nearly three hours .... Tenor Joseph Gaines was the outstanding soloist, singing with warmth and arching phrases that had an unquestionable logic."
-Arts Houston (2004)
-Ionarts (2004)
With members of the Pittsburgh Song Collaborative after the sold-out performance of La Belle Époque Cabaret, in collaboration with the Carnegie Museum of Art. From left to right, baritone Robert Frankenberry, pianist and PSC Artistic Director Benjamin Binder, tenor Joseph Gaines, and mezzo-soprano Olga Flora. Beverages were provided by Pernod Absinthe, the event's official sponsor.
Mercury Baroque – Messiah
"...the outstanding tenor solos offered by tenor Joseph Gaines ... held the attention of the audience for nearly three hours .... Tenor Joseph Gaines was the outstanding soloist, singing with warmth and arching phrases that had an unquestionable logic."
-Arts Houston (2004)
Washington Bach Consort – St. Matthew Passion
"...Joseph Gaines sang with resilient soulfulness."
-Washington Post (2004)
"...Joseph Gaines sang with resilient soulfulness."
-Washington Post (2004)
Mercury Baroque Ensemble – Messiah
"Tenor Joseph Gaines ... was the best of the quartet in conveying the meaning of key words."
-Houston Chronicle (2004)
"Tenor Joseph Gaines ... was the best of the quartet in conveying the meaning of key words."
-Houston Chronicle (2004)
Houston Bach Society – Bach Christmas Oratorio
"Tenor Joseph Gaines offered snap-crackle singing as the Evangelist..."
-Houston Chronicle (2003)
"Tenor Joseph Gaines offered snap-crackle singing as the Evangelist..."
-Houston Chronicle (2003)
Washington Bach Consort – “Magnificat Times Three”
"The soloists were ... tenor Joseph Gaines ... in outstanding material, they gave distinguished performances."
-Washington Post (2003)
"The soloists were ... tenor Joseph Gaines ... in outstanding material, they gave distinguished performances."
-Washington Post (2003)
Houston Chamber Choir – 1610 Vespers
"Gaines had the largest part of the solo work, which he handled with a nice sense of style."
-Houston Chonicle (2003)
"Gaines had the largest part of the solo work, which he handled with a nice sense of style."
-Houston Chonicle (2003)
Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Leipzig – Eugene Onegin
"Joseph Gaines did complete justice to the unusually high acting demands of this Triquet."
-Leipzig Almanach (2002)
"Joseph Gaines did complete justice to the unusually high acting demands of this Triquet."
-Leipzig Almanach (2002)
"[Director] Matthias Oldag let all threads of this tragic play come together with Joseph Gaines' Triquet."
-Leipziger Volkszeitung (2002)
Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Leipzig – Die Israeliten in der Wüste
"The native Texan Joseph Gaines (tenor) proved to be the shining choice for this work. He mastered the somewhat extensive portions of Aaron at the beginning and the end with oustanding pronunciation and clarity of text, clear and clean intonation, as well as appropriate expression."
-Leipzig Almanach (2002)
-Leipziger Volkszeitung (2002)
Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Leipzig – Die Israeliten in der Wüste
"The native Texan Joseph Gaines (tenor) proved to be the shining choice for this work. He mastered the somewhat extensive portions of Aaron at the beginning and the end with oustanding pronunciation and clarity of text, clear and clean intonation, as well as appropriate expression."
-Leipzig Almanach (2002)
Landesjugendorchester Sachsen – HMS Royal Oak
"...individual settings came out best, such as the Panama Song with the American Joseph Gaines..."
-Sächsische Zeitung (2002)
"...individual settings came out best, such as the Panama Song with the American Joseph Gaines..."
-Sächsische Zeitung (2002)
"A large tenor part gave us the chance to get to know a young American singer, who presently studies in Leipzig. Joseph Gaines had a wonderfully clear lyric voice with a gently responsive upper range."
-Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten (2002)
-Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten (2002)
University of Houston Moores Opera Center – Euridice
“Joseph Gaines plays a wonderfully love-stricken Orpheus.”
-The Daily Cougar (2001)
“Joseph Gaines plays a wonderfully love-stricken Orpheus.”
-The Daily Cougar (2001)
University of Houston Collegium Musicum -- Jonah
"But, above all, I will remember the variety of emotions composers expressed through such simple means. [Carissimi's] Jonah was the best example, especially Jonah's long solo of repentence. Simplicity is hard to convey but, as tenor Joseph Gaines showed, it can be powerfully moving. "
"But, above all, I will remember the variety of emotions composers expressed through such simple means. [Carissimi's] Jonah was the best example, especially Jonah's long solo of repentence. Simplicity is hard to convey but, as tenor Joseph Gaines showed, it can be powerfully moving. "
-The Houston Chronicle (1998)
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German-to-English Translations: Joseph Gaines