ANTHONY D. ANDERSON

About Anthony

Anthony D. Anderson, a Washington, D.C. native, is a baritone with degrees from the Maryland Opera Studio (M.M.) and Oberlin Conservatory (B.M.). He has performed roles such as Marchese d’Obigny (Annapolis Opera), Premier Minister (Cedar Rapids), John Proctor (Opera Ozarks), and the title role in Emperor Norton. A champion of new music, Anderson has originated roles in several contemporary operas, including Dear Mr. Duncan and The Puppy Episode. In 2025, he debuted as W.E.B. Du Bois in The Faces in the Flames, a new work by Nathan Felix and Anita Gonzalez. His credits include performances with Des Moines Metro Opera, Musiktheater Bavaria, and Washington National Opera’s Porgy & Bess as well as Aida. He’s also sung at the National Cathedral and at a Lincoln Memorial event with WNO Orchestra. In 2024, he performed at the White House for First Lady Jill Biden. Anderson is a rising voice in classical music.

“The gift of a world-class voice.”

“Remember that name — Anthony Anderson.”

- The Today Show, 2017

My Story

Anthony D. Anderson grew up as the youngest of seven children in inner-city Washington, D.C., where financial challenges were balanced by a supportive, loving family. After winning a lottery placement to DC Prep Charter School, he joined the City Kids Wilderness Project, whose summer programs in Wyoming helped him develop independence, leadership, and resilience. He later discovered his passion for singing at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where his teachers recognized and nurtured his potential. When financial hardship forced him to pause his studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, a benefit recital he organized with his mentor drew the attention of a Washington Post columnist and led to over $40,000 in community donations. This support opened the door for him to audition at top conservatories, ultimately earning him full-ride scholarship offers from Peabody, Oberlin, and Juilliard.