Denyce Graves Foundation and Metropolitan Opera Unite for Shared Voices Event Celebrating Inclusivity in Classical Music
Celebrating Diversity in Opera: Shared Voices Event
The Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF) has joined forces with the prestigious Metropolitan Opera to present a transformative experience titled Shared Voices: Behind the Curtain and Sounds of Hope. This dynamic event is set to take place over two exciting days and will spotlight emerging vocal talents while advocating for a more inclusive future within the realm of classical music.
A Journey Behind the Curtain
On March 5, the event kicks off with Behind the Curtain, a unique opportunity for a selected cohort of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and top conservatories across the nation. This immersive experience will take them inside the iconic Metropolitan Opera, granting them rare access to behind-the-scenes activities. Participants will attend a masterclass hosted by Melissa Wegner, the Executive Director of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, and will be able to witness a dress rehearsal of Richard Wagner's renowned opera, Tristan und Isolde.
Moreover, attendees will receive personalized coaching from the esteemed Maestro Pierre Vallet and various Metropolitan Opera staff members. This direct engagement will provide invaluable insights into the standards and paths toward an international operatic career. Not only will they benefit from these enriching encounters, but they will also interact with Lindemann Young Artists and attend their recital at Merkin Hall, emphasizing the importance of representation on America's grandest stages.
Sounds of Hope Concert
On March 6, the weekend's highlight, the Sounds of Hope Concert, will be held at 7 PM at the Leonard Davis Center for the Performing Arts at City College of New York. This concert, which is free with a recommended donation of $15, aims to showcase the talented Shared Voices cohort. The concert will feature a powerful repertoire that honors the works of Black composers alongside cherished pieces from the classical canon.
Sounds of Hope goes beyond mere performance; it serves as a vibrant celebration of excellence, resilience, and potential. The event is generously co-hosted by The New Heritage Theatre Group and the Leonard Davis Center, inviting audiences and supporters to recognize and invest in the talents of young artists, helping ensure that the future of opera truly reflects the rich diversity of our world.
The Vision Behind the Foundation
The Denyce Graves Foundation, founded by the Emmy® and Grammy® award-winning opera singer Denyce Graves, aims to fuse the realms of social justice, American history, and the arts. The foundation is dedicated to creating pathways for the next generation of vocal artists. This initiative not only transforms the lives of aspiring singers but also enriches the broader cultural landscape by fostering a more inclusive atmosphere within the operatic world.
Join us for this remarkable celebration of talent and hope, and witness firsthand the future of opera!