McPhee Voices: Matt Chittick

Tenor Matt Chittick was a McPhee Artist in Calgary Opera's 2016/17 season, and he was certainly kept busy. He sang in Die Fledermaus, Doctor Miracle, and Cinderella, and was an understudy for Jon Estacio's sweeping Canadian opera, Filumena. These days, Chittick's professional singing career includes working with young people — as "Matty Sings", he released his first album of original songs for children, Just Warming Up, and he leads the youth musical theatre training company, Studio 410. We caught up with Chittick as he reflects, a decade later, on his time as a McPhee Artist:

 What's a standout memory from your time as a McPhee Artist?

Matt Chittick: "One of the more humorous memories I have was during Die Fledermaus. John Kirby (another McPhee Artist that year) and I were to lift Tracy Dahl and carry her across the stage mid-show. During the rehearsal process, Bob McPhee looked at us and jokingly said, 'You'd better not drop her. She's a national treasure!'

"Of course, John and I were momentarily terrified. Though not to worry, we carried her safely every show!"

Do you still sing professionally? What are you up to now?

MC: "I do still sing professionally. I continue to sing in operas and concerts, as well as musicals, and I have a blast doing them. 

"On an exciting note, I've also begun writing and performing songs for Children under the name 'Matty Sings'. My first album came out in February 2026. I've always had a passion for bringing joy and encouragement to children through music, and this new adventure has been an absolute blast! You can find more info about it at www.mattysings.com, if you are interested.

"I am also the music director for a youth musical theatre training company in our area called Studio 410. It is a fantastic organization that puts on high-quality shows at the Drayton Festival Theatre, while providing youth with an amazing opportunity to hone their stage craft and learn from industry professionals."

What role does singing play in your life today?

MC: "I sing almost every day, between my own performances, rehearsals, songwriting, teaching, and (most importantly) to my three young boys."

What advice do you have for today's emerging artists?

MC: "Things often have a way of turning out differently than we first expect. Yet, if we are willing to embrace these changes, they often turn out to be richer and more wonderful than the 'plan' we originally had for ourselves. One artist's journey is very different from another's, and both are equally valuable."

What non-singing skill have you honed that you're most proud of?

MC: "I've recently come trained as a gymnastics coach, I coach our local boy's advanced rec and competitive teams, which has been an absolute blast!"