National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. (NANM) Washington, D.C. Branch Honors Ben Holt

[Ben Holt (1955-1990) (Photo by Christian Steiner)]

CasaMusicaledeLerma.com was created by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory, who is principal advisor to AfriClassical.com. It hosts the Ben Holt Archive, which is lavishly illustrated with photos, and lists many highlights of his career. AfriClassical has received a press release from Patrick D. McCoy, President of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. (NANM), which is being revived in honor of Ben Holt:

“National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. (NANM) Revives Washington, D.C. Branch in memory of Metropolitan Opera baritone Ben Holt

“(Washington, D. C.) On July 17, 2010 The National Association of Negro Musicians revived its Washington, D.C. branch in memory of Ben Holt (1955-1990), a world-renowned operatic baritone and D. C. Native. Holt performed with such esteemed companies as the Metropolitan Opera, Virginia Opera, and made his Kennedy Center debut with Young Concert Artists, Inc. He also shared the stage with famed singers including Kathleen Battle, Jessye Norman, and Carmen Balthrop.

“Patrick D. McCoy was initially approached by Damon Dandridge, former professor of Cheyney University (PA) about the chapter’s revival. Evelyn Curenton, a noted composer, offered her unwavering support of the project.”

“Founded in Chicago in 1919, the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. is the country’s oldest organization dedicated to the preservation, encouragement and advocacy of all genres of the music of African Americans (http://www.nanm.org). In keeping with the mission of NANM, the Washington, D.C. chapter will host its chartering celebration on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Northwest D.C. at 3 P. M. For more information, please contact Marlissa Hudson, correspondence secretary, at 703-882-1947 or at marlissahudson@gmail.com.

Ben Holt
Patrick D. McCoy
Washington D.C. Chapter
National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.
NANM Chapter