Thursday, November 15, 2012

New York Daily News: 'Opera Ebony, an icon of African-American operatic talent, celebrates its 40th anniversary this season'

[(Enid Alvarez/New York Daily News)  Opera Ebony president Gregory Sheppard (left) and Aaron Davis Hall president Gregory Shanck outside Aaron Davis Hall on the City College campus, discussing the 40th anniversary celebration for Opera Ebony, the oldest African-American theatre company in the city.]

The group that has showcased and trained many African-American opera stars holds a concert this week at Aaron Davis Hall at City College

Clem Richardson
November 15, 2012
Ten Opera Ebony classical singers, a pianist and a stand up bass player will rock City College of New York’s Aaron Davis Hall tomorrow night, performing a collection of popular music, including selections by George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and Jerome Kern, as well as classical pieces by Mozart and Verdi in a show dubbed “Sass N’ Class.”

It is the first of three concert events the company will hold this season to mark its 40th anniversary. Opera Ebony managing director Gregory Sheppard said the musical selections are intended to show the company’s range and relevance, and hopefully attract new listeners.
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Musical Director Wayne Sanders, Sister M. Elise Sisson and the late Benjamin Matthews co-founded Opera Ebony in 1973 while both were still in college. Sheppard said the group has trained and showcased the talents of many African-American opera stars, including sopranos Mavis Martin, Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle; baritone Lawrence Craig, and conductors Lawrence Craig, Leslie Dunner, Everett Lee and Tania León.

“Opera Ebony has been an important platform for young African American singers, directors, conductors, and stage crew,” said Sheppard, who took over as managing director in September.
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The group held an April benefit concert at the United Methodist Church of Saint Paul and Saint Andrew on the Upper West Side, featuring soprano Leona Mitchell and baritone Donnie Ray Albert, which drew a crowd of 1,100. Opera Ebony’s season runs from September to April. In February the group will present a “Heritage Concert” featuring arias, spirituals and traditional music by African-American composers..

“Opera Ebony has always been a class act in this community,” Shanck said. “It is time they come back.”  Tickets for tomorrow’s concert are $25 for adults, $15 for students and can be order from the Opera Ebony’s website, www.operaebony.org, or from Aaron Davis website, www.adhatccny.org, or purchased at the box office.

[Duke Ellington (1899-1974) was a Classical and Jazz musician who is featured at AfriClassical.com]

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