A NORMAN CONQUEST
Get ready for Jessye Norman at 75: A Celebration on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 6 pm ET. The live event will commemorate the legendary singer’s first birthday in memoriam, presented in support of the Estate of Jessye Norman and Jessye Norman School of the Arts, and the forthcoming documentary film Black Opera.
The 90-minute virtual gala celebrates Ms. Norman’s life and artistry with countless performances and dedications from across the country, as well as performances filmed on-site in the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. Join host, Kenneth Overton, for this special event, as he hosts remembrances from some of Ms. Norman’s notable operatic colleagues including fellow Kennedy Center Honors recipients Martina Arroyo and Grace Bumbry, legendary opera singers George Shirley and Simon Estes as well as mentee and artistic collaborator Damien Sneed, and performances from opera stars J’Nai Bridges, Measha Brueggergosman, Karen Slack, Russell Thomas, Chauncey Packer, Krysty Swann, Audrey DuBois-Harris, Sidney Outlaw, Brandie Sutton, Justin Austin, and Laquita Mitchell, with pianists Mary Pinto, Kevin Miller, Myra Huang, and lifelong Norman Family friend Aundra Clark.
The tribute program also includes a performance from the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Also appearing are Laverne Cox, Anna Deavere Smith, Harolyn Blackwell, Grammy-nominated Gospel composer, Richard Smallwood; Artistic Director Emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Judith Jamison; Darren Walker (Ford Foundation, President); Alicia Hall Moran; Grammy-Award winning composer Richard Danielpour, Broadway and Opera star Harolyn Blackwell; long-time collaborator of Ms. Norman and pianist, Mark Markham; sharing personal anecdotes and readings from the Grammy-Award winning singer’s deeply personal and candid memoir, Stand Up Straight, and Sing! — as well as special reflections by her siblings Elaine Norman Sturkey and James Howard Norman. Admission is free (suggested donation $35). Tickets available now at Black Opera Film,
Jessye Norman at 75: A Celebration
Black Opera Productions and Brookfield Place
Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 6 pm ET
register for the free event HERE
(suggested donation of $35 USD supports the artists, The Estate of Jessye Norman,
The Jessye Norman School for the Arts and the film Black Opera)
