Patrick McCoy, DC Performing Arts Examiner: 'Soprano Jessye Norman sings for 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Rooms'

[Jessye Norman (Photo Credits: Don Baxter/Media Images International)]

Patrick McCoy, DC Performing Arts Examiner, has alerted us to his article on Jessye Norman, Nov. 1, 2011, from which we present an excerpt:

“Last week in Washington, D. C., the internationally acclaimed soprano Jessye Norman sang for the 50th Anniversary of the U. S. State Department Diplomatic Rooms. The formal dinner, held in the Benjamin Franklin Room was hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

“'And let us thank again the incomparable Jessye Norman who has thrilled audiences all over the world.' Secretary of State Clinton praised before the elegantly dressed dinner guests. Accompanied by the talented pianist Damien Sneed, Ms. Norman sang a stately 'America the Beautiful' supported by the solid accompaniment of her fellow Howard University alumnus and Georgia native. 'I was surprised that there were no funds to support the Diplomatic Rooms.' Clinton explained in the presence of former Secretaries of State Colin Powell, Madeline Albright and Henry Kissinger. Twenty million dollars was raised for the Patrons of Diplomacy Endowment because of the generosity of the assembled guests. Special acknowledgement was also given to the families of former Secretaries of State Eagleburger and Christopher.”