Grammy-winning baritone Elliot Madore brings his full self and heritage to his new piece, Identity: A Song Cycle. A mixture of music, poetry, and performance, Identity: A Song Cycle is a love letter to the self, our pasts, and to passing along this knowledge for the future. I asked Elliot about the inspiration for this piece, his relation to his identity, and what audiences can expect from this incredible production.

Could you please introduce yourself to my readers and tell us a bit about your role with Identity?

My name is Elliot Madore, and I’m a baritone from Toronto, Canada. The story of Identity is told through the lens of my own experience and struggle with self-understanding.

I read your post from 2020 and it’s really moving. What were some of the influences which inspired you to write that post?

The urge to flesh out my identity—my story—had been bubbling beneath the surface for a long time. At the time, there was a great deal of turmoil in the world, and the growing urgency of the Black Lives Matter movement sparked deep introspection.
My father is Black. I’ve never met him. I don’t look “Black enough.” So how could I comment on the movement?

Should I comment at all? Was my voice valid? Was it needed?

Ultimately, these questions pushed me to confront the parts of myself I had long left undefined. It became clear that embracing my identity wasn’t just personal—it was necessary. I am biracial. I am Black. And I no longer feel the need to qualify or diminish that truth.

What does it mean for someone who is biracial like yourself to perform a piece like Identity: A Song Cycle?

It’s incredibly meaningful. To be part of something so deeply personal is cathartic, challenging, and joyful. It has taken on meaning in ways I didn’t anticipate. So many people have shared similar stories with me, and I’m grateful to have facilitated that connection and understanding with them.

Is there a specific line or movement in Identity that really speaks to you?

The song My Little Girl is about my daughter and how she changed my life so drastically and beautifully. Dinuk’s musical landscape is stunning, and Shauntay’s poetry is so poignant. I’m so grateful to be able to sing about my daughter and what she means to me—but admittedly, it’s tough to keep it together emotionally!

What do you hope audiences take away from Identity?

We all struggle with identity. We all have questions about who we are and how we see ourselves. I hope the audience can experience a shared understanding of those struggles—and the joy of finding acceptance.

I want to thank Elliot for taking the time to answer my questions. Identity: A Song Cycle runs for two performances only! May 23 and 24. For more information and tickets, visit: https://atgtheatre.com/upcoming/identity-song-cycle/

---

Thank you to my Patrons:

N. Bushnik, S. Fisher, B. Kinnon, D. Moyes

And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:

Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, Caitlin, Jonathan, and Jada

Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox