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.”

Patrick D. McCoy: 'Examiner: Reigning Divas: Opera Greats Share Historic Stage for the First Time'

[Opera Superstars Kathleen Battle, Denyce Graves and Jessye Norman shared the stage for the first time at a recent performance in D.C.'s Ford's Theatre. Credits: Various]

Here are excerpts from an article by Patrick D. McCoy on Examiner.com:

“What do you get when you put sopranos Kathleen Battle, Jessye Norman and mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves on the same stage? From all accounts, an inside source stated the obvious to the D. C. Performing Arts Examiner: a performance that bears repeating. Ms. Battle, Ms. Norman and Ms. Graves performed at Washington, D. C.'s Historic Ford's Theatre in honor of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister.”

“According to The Washington Post, the idea to bring the three superstar soloists together came from Wayne Reynolds, who serves as chair of the Ford Theatre's board.”

Northwestern University News: 'Jessye Norman to Deliver Bienen Convocation Address'

For Release: May 5, 2011

Northwestern University News

“EVANSTON, Ill. – Singer Jessye Norman will deliver the Bienen School of Music’s convocation address on June 18 in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. She will also receive an honorary doctor of arts degree from Northwestern University during commencement exercises on June 17. Tickets are required for commencement only.

“Jessye Norman is one of the most celebrated singers of our time. Acclaimed for performing a wide range of leading roles with the world’s top opera companies, she appears in concert and recital with preeminent orchestras and at prestigious concert halls around the globe. Her numerous recordings have won five Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement award. Norman’s many other honors include the United States National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, membership in the French Legion of Honor and nearly 40 honorary degrees. A board member for numerous nonprofit institutions, she also encourages emerging talent through the Jessye Norman School of the Arts in her hometown of Augusta, Georgia. She directed and curated Carnegie Hall’s 2009 'Honor!,' a three-week festival celebrating the African-American contribution to world culture. A graduate of Howard University, Norman holds a master’s degree from the University of Michigan.”

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Ellen Schantz

Director of External Affairs

Bienen School of Music

Northwestern University