Tenor George Shirley to Share Story of Historical Struggles

(Photo: Janet Miller)

"Despite racial prejudice and missed opportunities, opera star George Shirley has never sung the blues. He’s made history in Michigan and across the country: first African American tenor to sing a lead role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, first black member of the elite U.S. Army Chorus in Washington, D.C., and first black high school music teacher in the Detroit Public Schools. He’s appeared singing opera on stages around the world, from New York to London to Amsterdam, appearing in everything from Porgy and Bess to Madame Butterfly and rubbing elbows with the likes of Luciano Pavarotti. Shirley, who lives in Ann Arbor, is taking his story to Logan Elementary School in Ann Arbor today as part of the nationwide effort to spread the word about African Americans who make history. HistoryMakers, a national nonprofit that has recorded the oral histories of more than 2,000 notable African Americans including Shirley, is sending 500 historymakers into schools across 35 states. Shirley joins Valarie Jarret, senior adviser to President Barack Obama; Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and singer/actress Melba Moore who will go into schools and tell their stories in Friday's 'Back to School with the HistoryMakers' program." [Source] Read the whole article here.

Soprano Indra Thomas Does Elementary School Outreach

Indra Thomas encouraging school
students (Photo: Daniel Bell/RNT)

"Acclaimed international opera singer and Shorter graduate Indra Thomas will share her vocal talents at the Rome Symphony Orchestra’s season-opening concert Saturday night, but she stopped by Southeast Elementary on Thursday to share her story with the students. Thomas grew up in Atlanta the daughter of a minister and a mother who sang in the choir, as well as at home, in the car and just about everywhere else. Thomas would sing along with her mom and cited her Thursday as the biggest inspiration for her career. 'That sparked something in me,' she said. Once she reached elementary school, Thomas joined the choir, and in high school she received special coaching from her choir teacher. That teacher led her to Shorter, where Thomas dove full force into all aspects of music and began to develop her love of classical music. After she finished at Shorter, Thomas went to work at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. There she focused almost exclusively on opera, found an agent, and the rest is history. Thomas encouraged kids to pursue music, even if just for pleasure, because it can provide an outlet from the stress of school. She also told them if they are interested in that sort of career, they should work hard and never give up. 'If you find something you love to do,' she said, 'I’d say go for it. If you have a dream, go for it.'" [Source]

Kids Loving Opera

(Photo: Matt Roth)

Opera singer Yvette Lewis leads children in a rehearsal of her original operas based on The Little Red Hen and The Gingerbread Man. They'll perform for friends, family and the public at the Black Box Theatre at the Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City, MD.