Matthew Charles Lau

Matthew Charles Lau, 67, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on September 18, 2025. He was born May 19, 1958, in Michigan City, Indiana, to David and Mary-Lynn Lau.

Matthew was the third of five children, joining siblings David Jr., Paul Majot (deceased), Andrew Emile (deceased), and Amy Elizabeth.

From a young age, he displayed a remarkable love of both music and theatre. His musical journey began in elementary school with the viola, continuing through junior high and high school, where he frequently competed at regional and state levels. He also performed with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. His passion for theatre was kindled just as early, beginning at age seven with the Dunes Summer Theatre in Michiana, Michigan. Throughout his school years, he appeared in numerous plays and musicals, sang in the Elston Senior High School choir, and participated in community theatre productions.

Matthew attended Indiana University on a viola scholarship before pursuing his true calling in opera. He majored in Music and Theatre, performing in operas and plays while singing with the Singing Hoosiers. His summers were filled with performing opportunities at venues such as Kings Island. He later earned his Master's degree in Vocal Performance and Literature from the prestigious Eastman School of Music.

Matthew joined the Simpson faculty in 2011 as a visiting instructor in the music department. In 2013, he became a full-time faculty member teaching courses, giving lessons, advising students, assisting with recitals and productions while leaving an enduring mark on the College community. Simpson's TRIO program named him Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2017.

In addition to his work at Simpson, Matthew was an active contributor to the Des Moines Metro Opera and other operas for more than two decades, sharing his gifts through directing, costume design, and performance.

Lauded by critics as "one of the most versatile performers on the American opera circuit," Matthew enjoyed an illustrious on-stage career. His numerous highlights included New York City opera premiers of Teatro Gratacielo's La Cena delle Beffe, Robert Ward's Claudia Legare, and Arnold Schoenberg's‚ Moses und Aron.

Matthew's well-traveled career took him to opera companies in Seattle, Houston, Minnesota, Arizona, Atlanta, Tulsa, Nashville, Kentucky, Milwaukee, Portland, Hawaii and Anchorage Operas. Lau also enjoyed extensive collaborations with Sarasota Opera, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, New York City Opera, The Opera Company of Philadelphia, and the Metropolitan Opera Guild.

His many prestigious honors included earning two Grammy Awards in 2012 for his performance of Rev. Baines in Robert Aldridge's operatic setting of Elmer Gantry on Naxos Records.

Matthew will be remembered for his artistry, his devotion to teaching, and the countless lives he touched through music, theatre, and mentorship.

Services to honor Matthew's life will be held on Sunday, September 28, at 1 p.m. in Smith Chapel at Simpson College. Following the service there will be a reception held in Dirlam Lounge, inside Smith Chapel.