TESTIMONIALS
It has been said that a good conductor should possess performance skills, technical skills, conducting skills, and extensive and insightful knowledge of music. Tony Burdette has all of these important qualities and at a very high level, I might add. Tony also is gifted in traits of personal discipline, integrity, vision and artistry that he exudes. But Tony's greatest quality is that he cares for and loves people. He loves the members of Voices of the Commonwealth and it shows in how he leads, corrects and gets the best out of us. I have often come into rehearsal with a burden and he has lifted it through his humor and passion for the piece we are learning. If you ask the members of Voices of the Commonwealth what they think about Tony, they may give comments like... Tony knows his stuff...or, Tony is hilariously funny...or I love this program that Tony has put together...however, what everyone says is...I just love Tony. Tony is a joy and I learn something new every season. I'm looking forward to the next!
Eileen Feagan Kees
Bachelor of Arts in Music from Butler University
Former Member of Vocal Arts Ensemble and The May Festival Chorus
Current Member of Voices of the Commonwealth and VOCE
Tony Burdette is an absolute delight. His clear, strong, beautiful tenor was a highlight in the Asheville Choral Society’s presentation of Carmina Burana, and his art song presentation at the Unitarian Universalist Church was a rare treat. Tony possesses a striking voice, superb musicianship, and true professionalism which I find compelling, and would welcome in any concert endeavor. I recommend him highly!
Lenora Thom
Former Music Director/Conductor
Asheville Choral Society
I am happy to recommend Tony to any classical presenter in the USA. His work in Carmina Burana and Mozart is beyond compare. He could not be easier to work with. He has my highest endorsement.
Paul Stanbery
Music Director Emeritus
Butler Philharmonic Orchestra
Tony Burdette immediately impressed me at an audition I held, skillfully demonstrating the breadth of his vocal capabilities. He sings the tenor role of Messiah flawlessly, he was great in the most unflattering tenor role, Carmina Burana. His work for the Lebanon Symphony Chorus as associate conductor shows his skills as a vocal instructor and his grasp of the big picture of the music at hand. Tony is a superbly trained vocalist, a versatile tenor soloist, and a perfectionist in the way he prepares and delivers a performance. I have the upmost assurance that he will technically and musically deliver a high quality musical result. I enthusiastically recommend Tony Burdette as a high quality tenor soloist, and an accomplished musician.
David Donovan
Music Director/Conductor
Lebanon Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
As founder and director of the Northern Kentucky Community Chorus, it is a pleasure to recommend Tony Burdette as a tenor soloist. NKCC performs Handel’s Messiah every other year during the Christmas season.. Since discovering Tony several years ago, we do not use any other tenor when Tony is available. He handles the melismas with ease, never misses a beat or an entrance and always comes prepared. I would say that his performances are flawless because I cannot recall any anxious moment when I, as a conductor, was concerned with the communication between Tony, the orchestra, or me. He has an effortless tone, very pleasant, and focused. Tony has a great attitude and is extremely cooperative and will commit to any challenge to guarantee a successful performance. He and his wife have sung for our Twilight Concert Series at our church and he has sung other works besides Messiah. Whenever we need a tenor soloist, we rely on Tony. I can recommend him to you without reservation.
Dr. John O. Westlund
Founder and Former Conductor
Northern Kentucky Community Chorus
Tony was my student during his MM studies at the College-Conservatory of Music and has continued with occasional lessons since then. Tony has a fine light tenor voice, very clear and accurate, with an easy top voice. He is a fine musician and a reliable colleague. His voice is perfect for much of the oratorio repertoire, particularly Bach and Handel. I recommend him highly. You will not be disappointed!
David Adams
Professor Emeritus of Voice
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
I had the distinct pleasure of teaching Tony Burdette at the beginning of his singing career. I was his voice teacher for two years in his undergraduate days, and it was already quite evident that this was a rare talent. Tony has a very beautiful and expressive tenor voice which graced many recitals, opera scenes, and concerts at our college. In addition, he’s gifted intellectually, an extremely hard worker, highly professional, a consummate musician. His many, many successes as an undergrad continued in grad school at CCM and beyond as a singing professional. This is a man of great integrity, and is without question one of the best I have worked with over many years. My highest recommendation!
Dr. Lillian Long
Former Associate Professor of Music
Alderson-Broaddus University