Altonell Hines

Altonell Jacqueline Hines, also known by her married name Altonell Hines Matthews, (September 22, 1907 – August 6, 1977) was an African-American mezzo-soprano. She was in the original cast of both Porgy and Bess and Four Saints in Three Acts (1934). She was the wife of baritone Edward Matthews who performed with her in both of these shows. Early life and education The daughter of Wiley J. Hines and Francis Hines, Altonell Hines was born on September 22, 1907 in Norfolk, Virginia. Her father was a minister who pastored churches in Virginia and North Carolina. As a teenager she was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Campostella, Norfolk where she sang in the choir and as a soloist. She also played violin at church events.

Hines attended Livingstone College (LC) where she was a member of the LC's vocal octet. She was voted "Miss Livingstone" for participation in the Easter Classic competition with other historically black colleges during her junior year in 1929. In 1930 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from LC. In 1931 she gave a recital in Franklin, Virginia.

Career Hines began her career in New York city in the early 1930s as a member of Eva Jessye's Radio and Concert Choir. She performed the role in its premiere at the Wadsworth Atheneum's Avery Hall on February 7, 1934.

Hines remained with Four Saints in Three Acts when it transferred to Broadway's 44th Street Theatre where it ran from February 20, 1934 - March 17, 1934. It then transferred to the Empire Theatre for further performances. Also in the cast was baritone Edward Matthews in the role of St. Ignatius. After her marriage, Altonell continued to perform under her maiden name. Both Altonell and her husband reprised their roles in Four Saints in Three Acts multiple times; including at the The Town Hall in 1941, on a national radio broadcast with the CBS Symphony Orchestra in 1947, on a 1947 recording of the opera made with RCA Victor, and in the 1952 revival of the opera given in New York and in Paris, France.

Altonell Hines died on 6 August 1977. Outside of performance, Hines was heavily involved with the National Urban League and the A.M.E. Zion Church on the Hill in New York.

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