Frank Ward, Jr.
Henry "Harry" Thacker Burleigh
(1866-1949)
features a comprehensive Works List
and a Bibliography by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma,
Boone, North Carolina
August 24, 2015 by ASU News
BOONE—Bass-baritone Frank Ward Jr. will perform Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. in
Appalachian State University’s Rosen Concert Hall in the Hayes School
of Music. The recital is free and the public is invited.
Ward will be accompanied by pianist Deborah Yasutake. He also will
conduct masterclasses for students in the Hayes School of Music.
Included on the recital will be a performance of songs and spirituals
by H.T. Burleigh, with the Hayes School of Music Faculty String
Quartet.
Ward is an associate professor of music at The University of Akron School of Music.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Ward holds degrees from Morehouse
College and The University of Michigan. Critics have praised Ward’s
“careful attention to diction,” and his ‘great vocal agility and
treatment of ornamentation.” Critics have also reveled in how his stage
presence “…married showmanship with vocal technique to a great
advantage.”
A sought-after performer, Ward has appeared in productions as diverse
as “La Bohème,” “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Showboat” and “Mikado.” He
made his European debut singing the role of Don Bartolo in Rossini’s
“The Barber of Seville” in Rome, Italy with Opera Estate. In addition,
Ward has sung multiple performances of the role of “Ned” in Scott
Joplin’s opera “Treemonisha” with the Ragtime Orchestra. [Emphasis added]
In addition to standard repertoire, such as Purcell, Handel,
Schubert, Copland and Barber, Ward enjoys singing arts songs and
spirituals by African-American composers. He has had much success
singing the works of Howard Swanson, Margaret Bonds, Leslie Adams, H.T.
Burleigh, Hall Johnson and Wendell Whalum. [Emphasis added]
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