Matthew Fairchild
Photos: (top) As a minor league baseball umpire in 1977; (bottom) Kissing the Blarney Stone in 2007.
Matthew Fairchild
- Town: River Edge, New Jersey
- Singing part: Baritone
- How did you first hear about Orpheus, and what drew you to it? “Ned Cenit, a first tenor with OCMC, and I went to the same church. He approached me one Sunday, having coffee, and told me about the group.”
- How long have you been singing with Orpheus, and how long in general? “My first season was the Holiday Concert of 2017. I have been singing since the summer of 1955.”
- Can you share a memory or experience with Orpheus, or another group? “I have always loved the sound of a men’s chorus. Whether it is barbershop or glee chorus. But I will have to say that what a thrill it was when I was a member of The Angel City Chorale and we toured Ireland in the summer of 2007. Even kissed the Blarney Stone.”
- Can you share a favorite choral song? “ 'Sure on This Shining Night' by Morten Lauridsen”
- How does music help you through tough times? “Music is my elixir for life. Songs rippling through my body since childhood. I do not think science has grasped how powerful the song is for the soul.”
- Mini-bio: “In 1984, after diligently serving nine years arbitrating in professional baseball, Matthew followed his desire and went into the acting profession, while moving to New York City in 1986 at the age of 30. He has done very well in the past 30 years, working with award-winning directors and cinematographers. Having spent 20 of those years in Los Angeles, he is now back in New York City. His exceptional skill and professionalism are at the top of the mountain. He is most often cast as the ‘stern principal,’ the ‘pragmatic father,’ or the ‘head baseball coach’ ... who can sing gospel!”
Published in December 2020