John Malveaux: 'Balthrop and accompanist penetrated my mind and emotions with an actual transport to the time and circumstance'

[Carmen Balthrop]

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com sends these comments:

“Irrespective of singing the correct notes, if the words/text/story is sung in English and difficult to understand, the performance is unsuccessful. This issue is a frequent obstacle to growing the audience base for art music and opera. With few exceptions, the extensive number of singers at the Feb 9-12 African American Art Song Alliance Conference demonstrated the best techniques. I should not be surprised because Dr. Darryl Taylor is masterful in delivering a song and engaging an audience. 

“Last year, MusicUNTOLD presented mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves in recital for JUNETEENTH WorldWide Concert. Ms. Graves program did not include an aria from “MARGARET GARNER”. However, at the Saturday, February 11 session, THE BLACK COMPOSER IN OPERA, soprano Carmen Balthrop (Elie Choate, harp and Kei Akagi, piano) offered 'MOREMI’S LULLABY' from VANQUI by Leslie Savoy Burrs. Ms. Balthrop and accompanist penetrated my mind and emotions with an actual transport to the time and circumstance of the historical incident. MUSIC is POWERFUL.”