Tony Deaton made his New York debut at
The International Festival of the Arts
in the title role of Harrison
Birtwistle’s avant–garde opera, Punch
and Judy. He has performed at The
Kennedy Center in Washington DC, at
Spoleto USA in Charleston, SC, and with
symphony orchestras and opera companies
throughout the United States.
He has worked with such renowned artists as Gian
Carlo Menotti, Carlisle Floyd, Robert Ward, Bodo
Igesz, and Marni Nixon, among others, and has
performed many times on public and commercial
radio and television. Mr. Deaton created
the role of Major William Lewis in the world
premiere performance of Rachel, produced by the
Knoxville Opera Company, and was chosen by
American composer Richard Maltz to premiere his
song cycle, Seeing With The Heart. As a
member of North Carolina’s distinguished
Visiting Artist Program, Mr. Deaton presented
hundreds of recitals, workshops and master
classes. He received a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Music from Lee College as a voice
student of Jim Burns, and a Master of Music
degree in Vocal Performance from The University
of Tennessee where he studied with Edward
Zambara. Mr. Deaton has taught on the
voice faculties of Appalachian State University
and Methodist College. He is currently
assistant professor of music at Lee University
where he teaches Applied Voice, Vocal
Literature, and directs the Opera Theatre.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities at
Lee Mr. Deaton continues an active performance
schedule through the southeast. He is
married to the former Suzy Venable, originally
of Knoxville, and is the proud grandfather of
grandsons Spencer and Andy.
Tony Deaton
