Across the Arts with Patrick D. McCoy

Charles Dean Dixon, conductor, was born January 10, 1915 in New York, New York to West Indian parents Henry Charles Dixon and McClara Rolston Dixon. Dixon’s parents exposed him to classical music at an early age and his mother taught him to play the violin, along with a number of other instruments. By the age of nine he was considered a musical prodigy and performed on local radio stations in New York. Dixon enrolled at Juilliard School of Music in 1932 as a violin major, but soon switched to the music pedagogy program and graduated in 1936. He then enrolled in Columbia University and earned a Master’s Degree in Music Pedagogy there in 1939.   While at Julliard Dixon discovered conducting and upon graduating he formed the “Dean Dixon Symphony Orchestra,” the first racially integrated group of its type in New York City.  Dixon finally returned to the United States in 1970 after his hugely successful career in Europe and Australia.  

Winner of the 2018 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award by the U.S Solti Foundation, German based American conductor, Roderick Cox, has been praised as a conductor who is “paving the way” (NBC News) and recognized as a “trailblazer…a conductor who will be amongst the vanguard” (Minnesota StarTribune). Cox has gained international attention for recent appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Grand Opera, and Philharmonia Orchestra (London).  Highlights and debuts in the 19/20 season include concerts with Orchestre de Paris, Dresdner Philharmonie, Kristiansand Symfoniorkester, Mannheim Staatsorchester, and Iceland Symphony Orchestra. In the US, Roderick will debut with the New York Philharmonic for the New York Philharmonic’s Young Peoples Concerts Series, the Aspen Music Festival Chamber Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony and San Antonio Symphony.  Highlights among recent engagements as a guest conductor include debut subscription concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, his opera debut with Houston Grand Opera (Bizet’s Pêcheurs de Perles)as well as further debuts with BBC Symphony, Sinfonia Varsovia (Warsaw), BBC Scottish Symphony and with Philharmonia Orchestra (London) at the Brighton Festival. Further US Summer performances included a debut with the Houston Symphony and re-invitations to The Cleveland Orchestra (Blossom Music Festival) and the Minnesota Orchestra 

American soprano Janice Chandler-Eteme’s astonishing range of concert literature includes Strauss' Four Last Songs (Reading, Baltimore, Syracuse, Harrisburg and Utah Symphonies; Florida Orchestra, Fort Wayne Philharmonic; Grand Teton and Texas Music Festivals); Philip Glass' Passion of Ramakrishna (Pacific Symphony); Mahler's Second Symphony (San Diego, Baltimore, Nashville, Cincinnati, Colorado and Pacific Symphonies; Rome's Santa Cecilia Orchestra); Haydn's Die Schöpfung (Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati Symphonies); Mendelssohn’s Lobgesang Symphony (San Diego Symphony),  Lokumbe's Dear Mrs. Parks (Detroit Symphony) and Can You Hear God Crying? (Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia); the Brahms Requiem (San Diego, Baltimore, Colorado Symphonies); Mahler's Eighth Symphony (Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, American and Montreal Symphonies); Beethoven #9 (Cleveland Orchestra, New Jersey and Houston Symphonies), Barber's Knoxville:  Summer of 1915 (Festival Miami, Baltimore Symphony), Tippett’s A Child of Our Time (Dallas and Santa Rosa Symphonies) and Britten’s War Requiem (Lincoln and Santa Rosa Symphonies and Evansville Philharmonic).  ​Ms. Chandler-Eteme first came to international prominence as a favorite of  Robert Shaw.

Praised for his "commanding stage presence" and "rich, resonant bass," Kenneth Kellogg is quickly gaining recognition as a sought after young artist.  Born and raised in Washington, D.C, music has been a part of his life since grade school. Nurtured in the public school system by amazing music teachers, he participated in choirs throughout the city and began formal training at the Duke Ellington School of the Performing and Visual Arts as a Vocal and Visual Arts student.  Among his roles, many are staples of opera repertoire:  The title role, in Mozart’s Don Giovanni,  as well as Leporello and  Il Commendatore,  Mephistopheles in Gounod’s Faust, Don Alfonso in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte, Ramfis and Il Re in Verdi’s Aida, Colline in Puccini’s La Boheme, the title role of Handel’s Hercules, The King in Handel’s Ariodante, Osmin in Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Sarastro and the Speaker in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Sparafucile in Verdi’s Rigoletto, Fasolt in Wagner’s Das Rheingold. He led the cast in the west coast premier of Terence Blanchard’s Champion: An Opera in Jazz, as the champion boxer,  Young Emile Griffith, to rave reviews with Opera Parallele.  He in an Alumnus of the Adler Fellowship Program at San Francisco Opera and the Caftriz Young Artist Program at Washington National Opera.  He also trained at the Academy of Vocal Arts, Wolf Trap Opera and holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Ohio University.

Kenneth Overton is lauded for blending his opulent baritone with magnetic and varied portrayals that seemingly “emanate from deep within body and soul.” Raised in Philadelphia, Kenneth Overton’s symphonious baritone voicehas sent him around the globe. Kenneth is one of the most sought after Opera singers of his generation, and successfully started his season with a return to The New York City Opera performing the role of Jake Wallace in Puccini's La Fanciulla del West . Shortly thereafter, he returned to the San Francisco Opera in "the most eagerly anticipated new opera of the season" (The New York Times, 2017); the world premier of John Adams’The Girls of the Golden West, as the cover for the role of Ned Peters. Additionally, Kenneth thrived in his Hungarian debut as Porgy in the Margaret Island Open Air Theatre’s production of Porgy and Bess where he was heralded as one of “America’s most renowned Opera singers”.  

Damien Sneed is a multi-genre recording artist and a 2014 recipient of the prestigious Sphinx Medal of Excellence honor, which is presented annually to emerging Black and Latino leaders in classical music, Sneed has also garnered attention in a wide range of other musical genres, including jazz, gospel, pop, R&B and musical theatre. He has already been featured in the New York Times multiple times for his work in various genres. A pianist, organist, conductor, composer, producer, arranger, vocal coach, professor and arts educator.  Today, he joins us to chat about his career and esteemed collaborations with the late soprano Jessye Norman.  

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With an operatic career rising to stratospheric heights, star mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges takes a moment out of her run as Delilah in Washington National Opera's current production of Camille Saint-Saëns grand opera "Samson and Delilah."  Marking her debut with the company, Bridges drops in on THE OPERA DIVA SERIES to chat about her career, future appearances, her love for basketball and much more.  Past guests of the series include Christine Brewer, Leona Mitchell, Nicole Cabell, Denyce Graves, Othalie Graham, Lisette Oropesa, Elizabeth Futral, Angela M. Brown and Carmen Balthrop among others.

  Ahead of her holiday performances December 15-24 with The Choral Arts Society of Washington conducted by artistic director Scott Tucker, mezzo-soprano Kristina Lewis drops in on The Conversation Series to chat about her love of the holiday season, her musical career and much more.  Internationally-acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Kristina Nicole Lewis, has had major success throughout the United States and abroad.  Tony Solitro, of Philadelphia Local Arts Live, noted “I simply couldn’t get enough of Ms. Lewis’ expressively warm voice, or her enchanting stage presence.” She has also been herald by the Baltimore Sun for having a voice “that shines with a burnished tone,” “has considerable lushness in her singing,” as well as “admirable acting”, along with Eldridge McPhee, of the Bahama Bel Canto Singers, who commended Miss Lewis for having, “A voice enters the soul and moves the spirit.”  liana in Algeri, the Countess in Tchaikovsky’s Queen of Spades, Flora in Verdi’s La Traviata, Baba the Turk in Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress.  Kristina currently enjoys singing and freelancing throughout the mid-Atlantic region.    

  Todays guest is an important voice in the world of classical music.  Currently the Chief Classical Music Critic for The Washington Post,  Anne Midgette is a graduate of Yale University. Over her career, she has reviewed opera, music, and art throughout Europe for The Wall Street Journal, Opera News, and other publications. Returning to the United States, she became the first woman to review classical music for The New York Times on a regular basis in 2001. She continued as a classical music critic, theater critic, and arts writer for the newspaper from 2001 to 2007. In 2008, Midgette landed at The Washington Post as the newspaper's chief classical music critic.  In this episode, Midgette reflects on her career as music critic and her decision to leave her position at The Washington Post and her plans for the future.  

Soprano Lisette Oropesa was recently named as the winner of the 2019 Richard Tucker Award. She stars in  major productions around the world and has garnered acclaim in several prestigious debuts including in the title role of Lucia di Lammermoor at the Teatro Real Madrid and Royal Opera House.  Past winners include such luminaries as Stephanie Blythe, Lawrence Brownlee, Joyce DiDonato, Renée Fleming, Christine Goerke, Matthew Polenzani, and Deborah Voigt. Oropesa was inducted into this who’s who of American opera at the foundation’s annual gala on Sunday, October 27, at Carnegie Hall.  She chats with host Patrick D. McCoy about her career, winning the award and her upcoming appearance in DC with Washington Concert Opera in their performance of "Hamlet" by Ambroise Thomas on Sunday, November 24 at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium.

Christopher Bell will lead the Washington Chorus in a performance of Mozart's timeless Requiem at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on November 16. He chats with Across the Arts host Patrick D. McCoy about the performance and his career as a conductor both in the US and abroad.

Internationally acclaimed tenor and opera star Lawrence Brownlee returns to "Across the Arts" with Washington, D.C. based arts columnist Patrick D. McCoy about his upcoming performance with Washington Concert Opera in Rossini's "Zelmira" and his recital under the auspices of Vocal Arts DC.  Previously, Brownlee chatted McCoy on THE I TOO SING AMERICA SERIES and was previously featured in Washington Life Magazine's "Perfect Pitch."  Named 2017 “Male Singer of the Year” by both the International Opera Awards and Bachtrack, American-born tenor Lawrence Brownlee has been hailed by The Guardian as “one of the world’s leading bel canto stars.”

Stanley J. Thurston is one of Washington's beloved musical figures.  Whether he is standing in front of The Heritage Signature Chorale or on the stage of The Kennedy Center, his demand for excellence shines through.  Thurston joins The Maestro Series to discuss his role as founding conductor of The Heritage Signature Chorale and its upcoming concert.  The concert will feature Poulenc's "Gloria" and Darin Atwater's "Proclamations."  We will also delve into his extensive career as a conductor and perhaps upcoming projects.

Soprano Kristin Lewis has graced the stages of many of the world’s leading opera houses. Noted for her wellfocused, majestic sound, rich in overtones and possessing a rare blend of piano culture and flourishing emphasis, she has been directed by among the most illustrious conductors.  A native of Little Rock, Arkansas/USA, Ms. Lewis grew up in a musical family, and began singing and performing at an early age. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Arkansas under the guidance of Dr. Martha Antolik and a Masters of Music degree while studying with Kay Paschal and Andrew Wentzel, from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Post graduate study was endeavored under the tutelage of Dr. Jonathan Retzlaff, and currently with Carol Byers.  A recipient of many honors, Ms. Lewis was awarded the College of Arts and Sciences Divisional Achievement Award for the Visual and Performing Arts from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2015; the Orazio Tosi Prize 2012, given by the Club Lirica Parma, at the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi, and the Artist of the Year Award by the Savonlinna Opera Festival in 2010. She is a two-time National Finalist of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Competition; a finalist of the “XLVI Concours International de Chant de la Ville de Toulouse”, a winner of the “Internationalen Gesangswettbewerb Ferruccio Tagliavini” and a winner of the “Concorso Internazionale Di Musica Gian Battista Viotti”. Ms. Lewis also won the Opera Prize and the Audience Award in the “Concorso Internationale di Canto Debutto A Merano”.  The 2017-18 opera season will feature Ms. Lewis’ house debuts at the Gstaad Menuhin Opera Festival, the Royal Opera House Muscat and Opera Hong Kong in the title role character in Verdi’s Aïda, among numerous others.  

After an extensive round of auditions and interviews for the revered post as artistic director of The Washington Bach Consort, Dana Marsh was named the new director, succeeding the late Dr. J. Reilly Lewis, who founded the consort in 1977.  Lewis died unexpectedly in June 2016.  His remarkable artistry will long be remembered, treasured and felt.  Art journalist Patrick D. McCoy chats with Dr. Dana Marsh about his new post, the upcoming season with The Washington Bach Consort, finding academic balance with his post at Indiana University and his vision for the consort. As director of the Historical Performance Institute and chair of the Early Music Department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Dana Marsh has directed a broad range of ensemble performances and NPR broadcasts at Jacobs since 2014. He coaches aspiring vocalists in historical performance and teaches early notation and performance practice. As an academic, Marsh was invited to be a panelist at the Smithsonian Institution’s conference “Historically Informed Performance in Higher Education” in 2015. In May 2016, he founded the annual international conference “Historical Performance: Theory, Practice and Interdisciplinarity,” which has attracted scholars and performers from a dozen countries. He recently founded the annual, peer-reviewed journal, “Historical Performance” (IU Press), which contributes significant research to the field.   

In repertoire encompassing George Frideric Handel’s Giulio Cesare in Egitto to Jonathan Dove’s Flight and beyond, countertenor John Holiday’s expressive and richly beautiful voice has made him an increasingly sought after artist, possessing a “vocal instrument that threatens to equal the name artists in his range.” (Herald Times) Mr. Holiday is the recipient of the Marian Anderson Award from The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Washington National Opera. As an advocate of new works, John Holiday will make his debut with Opera Philadelphia singing the role of John Blue in a world-premiere of Daniel Roumain's We Shall Not Be Moved, a production directed by the award-winning Bill T. Jones that will also be seen at the Apollo Theater in New York and Hackney Empire in London. Also in the 2017-2018 season, Mr. Holiday will debut at Florida Grand Opera as Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice and his debut in Flight as the Refugee at Des Moines Metro Opera. 

  ABOUT THE JUNE 2 AT THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE CONCERT:   CLICK HERE  ABOUT MICHELE: Michele Fowlin serves as music director of the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Children of the Gospel Choir. She attended Howard University and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in vocal performance/pedagogy with a piano minor. While at Howard, she studied with renowned opera singers Regina McConnell, Carmen Balthrop, and Charlotte Holloman. Under the tutelage of Dr. James Weldon Norris, she was introduced to conducting. Fowlin eventually became assistant to the conductor for the University Choirs. Upon traveling with the choir nationally and internationally, Fowlin conducted many concerts and eventually became one of the lead soloists. These opportunities led her to performances in Russia, England, Spain, and the US Virgin Islands.  After Howard, Fowlin continued her vocal career while expanding her skills as a music teacher in the public school system. Her desire to motivate students musically has extended from the classroom into the community. Fowlin has worked with the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Children of the Gospel Summer Music Camp, for the past several years as a vocal coach and director and has conducted various church youth choirs in the area. She continues to hold clinics for vocal health and wellness, voice and piano master classes, and guest directorships for gospel music workshops. Fowlin has been recognized with various awards including the Mayor’s Award (Washington, DC) and Certificate of Recognition from the DC Commission on the Arts. Currently, Fowlin is the director of choirs at Eleanor Roosevelt High School and the co-founder of HerSanctuary™.

A listen in at the internationally acclaimed soprano's new holiday album just in time for the holiday. The recording is available at Amazon.com and CD Baby.

Across the arts takes a listen to soprano Angela Brown's new Christmas album "This Christmas."  No stranger to THE OPERA DIVA SERIES, the internationally acclaimed soprano shares her myriad of musical experiences in this fresh take on Christmas carols and holiday favorites.  Turn the speakers up and continue the holiday celebration!

As a part of the 2014 Chamber Music Vocal Matinee Recital Series at the Colour of Music Festival, baritone Darnell Ishmel present at recital at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC.  He is accompanied by pianist Mikael Darmanie and joined by cellist Khary Joyner. PROGRAM R. Nathaniel Dett-Hymn to Parnassus Franz Schubert Drei Lieder, Der Doppelganger, Der Tod und das Madchen, Der Erlkonig Gabriel Faure-Au bord du l'eau Jules Massenet-Elegie Thomas Kerr-Riding to Town Coleridge Taylor Perkinson Melancholy, The Faithless Shepherd Harry C. Banks, Jr.-A Prayer of Saint Francis James Weldon Johnson-Go Down Death Kerr-Great Day    

In response to the keynote address by Wayne S. Brown, President and CEO of the Michigan Opera Theatre, our host and Washington Life Magazine performing arts columnist, Patrick D. McCoy moderates a panel discussion culminating the Community Symposium Series of the Colour of Music Festival with Dr. Karen Chandler of College of Charleston, Jennifer Bowman of the Washington based Folger Consort and Festival Founder, Lee Pringle.  The Colour of Music Festival is one that celebrates the contributions and performance of blacks in the arena of classical music.

Culminating the 2014 Community Symposium Series of The Colour of Music Festival in Charleston, SC (October 22-26) was a timely keynote address by Wayne S. Brown, former Director of Opera and Music at the NEA and now President and CEO of Michigan Opera Theatre.  In his address, Brown shares his trajectory in the arena of arts management, its important and passing the torch to the future of the field.  Brown has had considerable experience in the arts, himself first playing cello and singing as a tenor.  his talk comes from a place of sound perspective and in Part 2, his talk culminates in a panel moderated by host and Washington Life Magazine performing arts columnist, Patrick D. McCoy.  Joining the panel is Dr. Karen Chandler of College of Charleston, Jennifer Bowman of the Washington based Folger Consort and Festival Founder, Lee Pringle.  The Colour of Music Festival is one that celebrates the contributions and performance of blacks in the arena of classical music.

The Colour of Music Festival began this week in Charleston, SC. (October 22-26) featuring chamber music performances, organ and voice recitals. Dr. Wayne A. Barr of Tuskegee University opened the High Noon Organ Recital Series in music by Whitlock, J. S. Bach, Ralph Simpson and Vierne. Recorded live at Grace Episcopal Church Charleston.  For more information about the festival www.colourofmusic.org PROGRAM: Whitlock: Exultemus Bach: Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major, 564 Ralph Simpson: Three Spirituals Jacob's Ladder Swing Low Roll Jordan, Roll Vierne: Symphonie III, op. 28 III, Intermezzo V. Final

Noted composer Dr. Trevor Weston of Drew University drops in discuss his career both as a performer and teacher of music.  Weston will open the Community Symposium Series of the Colour of Music Festival, which will be held October 22-26 in Charleston, SC. His talk will focus on Charleston's contributions to classical music around the world. During the broadcast, will feature some of his works,  including his Magnificat.     Weston began his musical training as a choirboy at the prestigious St. Thomas Choir School in New York City at the age of ten. During high school, he continued his musical development with organ and carillon lessons in Plainfield, NJ. Composition became his primary focus at Tufts University while studying with T.J. Anderson and completing a double major in music and history. Weston completed his graduate work at theUniversity of California, Berkeley where he studied with Richard Felciano and Andrew Imbrie for his M. A. and Olly Wilson, his primary teacher, for his Ph.D.        Weston is currently an Associate Professor of Music at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.        Read his complete bio:    

Soloman Howard joins the show to speak about his trajectory in the arena of opera.  The Morgan University and Manhattan School of Music graduate is currently one of Washington National Opera's rising stars and is set to make his Metropolitan Opera debut this fall!  Currently a member of Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program,a program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Soloman Howard is garnering superlatives from the press for his vivid performances on the opera and concert stages.  His voice is called “sonorous” by TheNew York Times, “superhuman” by The Denver Post, and “spectacular” by Maryland Theatre Guide.  Performances of the 2013-14 season include Sarastro in The Magic Flute conducted by Washington National Opera’s Music Director Philippe Auguin, Moser in Verdi’s I Masnadieri with Washington Concert Opera led by Music Director Antony Walker, Mendelssohn’s Die erste Walpurgisnacht at Carnegie Hall with Kent Tritle and the Oratorio Society of New York, and a role debut as Colline in La bohème with North Carolina Opera conducted by Robert Moody.  Read more  

Anton Armstrong the conductor of the Saint Olaf Choir joins the show to discuss his career and views on Choral Music.  The noted conductor is in Washington at the Chorus America conference.

Terri Allen, Executive Director of the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) and its co-founder Pamela Simonson (with brother Victor Simonson)  drop in on Arts Across America to discuss the role of CAAPA in the community as it strives to "bring color to the classics."  This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Washington, D. C. area organization, which will kick off the festivities with its Melody of Art Reception on September 17 at The Atlas Performing Arts Center.

When Travis Pratt took the stage on the hit television show "America's Got Talent"  no one one was ready for what happened next.  Approaching the microphone, Pratt dedicated a soaring rendition in his soprano voice of the timeless aria "O mio babbino caro"  by Puccini to his girlfriend, who he then proposed to on national television.   Pratt drops in on Patrick D. McCoy to discuss the phenomenon and his introduction to opera and classical music.

The is a not to be missed show confronting the monsters of jealousy and envy in the arts.  On one breath, a person can be praised and revered for the beauty they create, then slandered all on the same breath.  Joining the show to unpack the pain of the green monster called envy is Baltimore based violist Robin Faye Massie-Pighee and St. Louis based emerging modern composer and musician Anthony Stewart. Stewart is the Digital Composer and Publisher of "Vizual Music: Where Classical and Jazz Meet" .  He produces and distributes classical and jazz compositions in hopes of inspiring more African American youth to embrace an art form that originated in Africa.   Massie-Pighee is a professional violist in the Baltimore/D.C. area. She has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, and the Washington National Opera Orchestra among other ensembles. She performs as Assistant Principal Viola with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Co-Principal Viola with the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra in Philadelphia.

For many couples whose marriages end in divorce, there is some solace found in monetary compensation or the gain of tangible belongings.  But what happens when two people that once shared the gift of music no longer experience it together because of hurt feelings, anger or even resentment.  Divorced couple, both opera singers Marlissa Hudson and Colin Eaton join the show to speak about their upcoming concert. This will be the first concert that they have sung together since the divorce.   About the concert on March 17, 4:00 p.m. at All Soul's Unitarian Church, D. C. Marlissa Hudson and tenor Sargeant First Class Colin Eaton will perform a joint recital chronicling their journey of love, hurt, and reconciliation. Divorced since 2008, this will be their first time performing together since their marriage ended. When asked why she programmed this type of concert, Marlissa said “I see this recital as a real opportunity to share beautiful music that tells a story to which almost everyone can relate. Who hasn’t been touched by divorce in some way? Music is an amazing healer, and by sharing our story we hope to give others an opportunity to work through their own experiences while enjoying songs and arias written by great composers.” Marvin Mills, former All Souls music director, will be their collaborative pianist and premiere an arrangement on the program.

THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS welcomes esteemed organist, conductor and Bach scholar J. Reilly Lewis to discuss his upcoming concert performance with NOW, The New Orchestra of Washington.  No stranger to Washington, D. C. audiences, Lewis is the founder of the Washington Bach Consort, currently its 35th Anniversary Season and conductor of the Cathedral Choral Society, based at Washington National Cathedral.  For the October 28 concert "Psycophony" by NOW at Westmoreland UCC in Bethesda, MD, Dr. Lewis will perform Bach's Toccata in D minor and then join the members of the orchestra for Poulenc's Concerto for Organ and Orchestra.  Orchestra co-founder Alejandro Hernadez-Valdez and the concertmaster for the program Regino Madrid will join in later to discuss Bartok's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Orchestra.

THE OPERA DIVA SERIES welcomes Canadian American soprano Othalie Graham to the show. She joins the broadcast to discuss first international performance in the title role of Puccini's Turnadot in Mexico. Ms. Graham debuts with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in October in Verdi's Requiem.   PRESS RELEASE: http://www.prlog.org/11987471-soprano-othalie-graham-to-sing-the-role-of-turandot-with-one-of-mexicos-leading-opera-companies.html

Scholar, Ethnomusicologist and Social Activist Alisha Lola Jones drop in to chat about the 2012 Genius Conference for Men, scheduled to be held at THEARC in D. C. next month.  She willbe joined by David Hughey, a featured performer in the recent Broadway revival of Porgy and Bess.  Together, they will unpack the idea of the "Genius" that lie deep within each of us, especially the African American Male.        

Co-Founders of D.C. newest, trend-setting orchestra, N. O. W. Grace Cho and Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez join Patrick for a lively and informative chat about the orchestra's inaugural concert season, "A TOAST TO SEASON ONE." The concert will take place at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ in Bethesda, MD.  Appropriately themed, "A Toast to Season One" the concert features music inspired by fanfares, food and beverages. Celebratory in nature, the program will include Peter Maxwell Davies' "Fanfare for Lowry" performed by the James Madison University trumpet studio and NOW members Chris and Christine Carrillo. Also featured on the program is the exuberant "Cafe Music" by Paul Schoenfield and Aaron Jay Kernis' highly innovative "Le Quattro Stagioni Dalla Cucina Futurismo" for piano trio and narrator. Rounding out the concert,  NOW will present "La Revue de Cuisine" by Bohuslav Martinu, a truly fun piece for an unusual combination of instruments.  

Join us as we air the 2012 August Musicales Recital of soprano Lisa Edwards-Burrs at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA.  She is accompanied by  pianist Michael Simpson. Purcell-Music for A While, Hahn-A Chloris,Debussy-Fantoches, Bachelet-Chere Nuit, Richard Strauss-Zueignung, Schlagende Herzen and Befreit, Puccini-O mio babbino caro, Previn-I Can Smell the Sea Air, Charles Ingram-Weep No More You Sad Fountains, Dream Valley & Little Lamb, Dett-Ride On, King Jesus, Michael Simpson-Deep River, Charles Lloyd-Ain't A that-a Good News, Flanders/Swann-A Word on My Ear ENCORE:  Work-This Little Light of Mine Lisa Edwards-Burrs, who has been described as “a soprano of crystalline beauty”,received degrees in Vocal Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia (B.M. and M.M.) and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. (D.M.A.).   An accomplished lyric-coloratura soprano, her performances in recital, oratorio and chamber music are extensive.  Her operatic roles include:Athena in The Furies, Ola/Harriet Tubman in Vanqui, Blanche in Dialogues of the Carmelites, Monica in The Medium, Despina in Così fan tutti, Treemonisha in Treemonisha, Adina in L’elisir d’amore and Poppea in L’incoronazione di Poppea.

The third installment of THE TRAILBLAZER SERIES welcomes distinguished Howard University professor of voice, soprano Charlotte Wesley Holloman for an informative chat on her career and musical influences. Holloman has maintained private studio for over 25 years.

Artistic Advisor for Jazz at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Jason Moran will join the show on Thursday, July 26 to chat about his post at the nation's center for the arts and his career as one of the most exciting young perfomers of jazz.  Named the Kennedy Center's Artistic Advisor for Jazz on November 29, 2011, jazz pianist Jason Moran has proven more than his brilliance as a performer since his formidable emergence on the music scene in the late 90s. The Blue Note Records recording artist has established himself as a risk-taker and innovator of new directions for jazz as a whole. In almost every category that matters - improvisation, composition, group concept, repertoire, technique and experimentation - Moran, and his group The Bandwagon - with bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits - have challenged the status quo, and earned the reputation as "the future of jazz."

"The First Lady of the Organ" world renowned concert organist Diane Bish drops in on Patrick D. McCoy to discuss her career and the 30th anniversary of her hit show "The Joy fo Music" which has reached millions around the world. ABOUT MS. BISH: Diane Bish is the most visible and influential classical organist performing today. Concert and recording artist, composer, conductor, and international television personality, Diane Bish displays her dazzling virtuosity and unique showmanship the world over to international acclaim. Her organ performances are hailed as “stunning, virtuoso, fiery, and astonishing.” Miss Bish’s unparalleled achievements as a young performer gave her the credibility and determination to launch The Joy of Music international television series in 1982 as a platform for awareness and appreciation of “the king of instruments.” Broadcast to over 300 million people around the world each week, The Joy of Music combines exhilarating organ and ensemble performances with an informative, inspirational narrative and exciting world travel. The Joy of Music boasts over 500 episodes featuring famous cathedrals, concert halls, churches and organs. This tremendous outreach to the general public on behalf of the organ and Diane Bish’s longevity as a leading recitalist distinguishes her in the world of music.     

The show comes to you live from the Gospel Music Workshop of America, spotlighting several aspiring and seasoned artist.

The Opera Diva Series hosted by Patrick D. McCoy continues with legendary soprano Martina Arroyo.  Specifically, Ms. Arroyo drops in to discuss her foundation's initiative, Prelude to Performance. Martina Arroyo is recognized as one of the pre-eminent lirico-spinto sopranos of our time. As both performer and teacher, she has always perceived that it is essential to understand all aspects of an operatic role in order to achieve a personal interpretation that is effective. The Martina Arroyo Foundation was founded  in June of 2003.  The musical community has welcomed The Martina Arroyo Foundation and its mission to ready young singers for a life on the professional stage through the preparation and interpretation of complete operatic roles for public performance. Its programs have gained particular respect for a method of specialized training that incorporates learning the historic framework of the drama and musical style, exploring the psychology and motivation of each character, and studying ways to use the body and the voice (including language and diction) to understand and express character.

THE OPERA DIVA SERIES returns with internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Michelle DeYoung.  Ms. De Young will perform with Washington Concert Opera this weekend in Saint-Saens' Samson et Dalila The opera star drops in to chat with Patrick D. McCoy about the upcoming performance and her successful career as one of today's leading mezzo-sopranos. Michelle DeYoung has already established herself as one of the most exciting artists of her generation.  She has appeared with many of the world's leading orchestras.   Ms. DeYoung has also appeared with many of the finest opera houses of the world including the Metropolitan Opera. This season, Ms. DeYoung makes her debut at the Basel Opera as Amneris in Aida, sings Das Lied von der Erde with the Met Orchestra and Oedipus Rex with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, both conducted by James Levine, and appears in performances of Bluebeard's Castle with Esa-Pekka Salonnen and the New York Philharmonic.

The young conductor Marlon Daniel drops in on to discuss his upcoming performance with his orchestra,  Ensemble du Monde in New York City's Merkin Hall at Kaufmann Center. Currently, Maestro Daniel is Music Director of Ensemble du Monde, chamber orchestra, and has accepted a two-year position as Resident Conductor of the Sofia Sinfonietta (2012 through 2014). His new CD “Phoenix Forever” on the MSR Classics label received rave reviews and was a contender for a 2011 GRAMMY.

Listen in as host Patrick D. McCoy shares some of his favorite sacred works as the world marks the observance of Holy Week and Easter.  This broadcast includes arias and chorus from Parts II and III of Messiah, Selections from the "Life of Christ" sung by legendary tenor Roland Hayes and others.  Sacred reflections are offered in between.

Join host Patrick D. McCoy as he broadcast an hour long show dedicated to the brilliant soprano Kathleen Battle.  McCoy will share is initial introduction to Ms. Battle's glorious art and will play excerpts from her body of recorded works.  This show will honor Ms. Battle for her musical greatness and in no way wlll dimiss her many contributions to the world of music.  "This show is long overdue, and one very special and dear to my heart."  McCoy said.  Guests include Metropolitan Opera soprano Anita Johnson, who will speak specifically on Ms. Battle's influence on her choice to pursue singing and Monica Perdue, a soprano based in Chicago, IL and longtime admirer join the broadcast. Devoted fans and supportive colleagues are invited to be considered as guest on the show by e-mailing theafricanamericanvoice@gmail.com with Kathleen Battle in the subject line.  Only guest who share the intended spirit of this broadcast will be considered. Born in 1948 in Portsmouth, Ohio, Kathleen Battle is world renowned for her silvery, lyric soprano voice.  Whether she is championing the works of Handel or essaying jazz standards, Ms. Battle's voice is in a league of its own.

The acclaimed coloratura soprano Elizabeth Futral drops in on the show to discuss her current role in Mozart's Così fan tutte with Washington National Opera. Ms. Futral is a favorite particularly among D.C. audiences being featured as soloist with The Washington Bach Consort, Washington Concert Opera, Cathedral Choral Society, Vocal Arts DC and Washington National Opera.  Futral will also talk about the recital format and her early beginnings in music.

The acclaimed arranger of African American spirituals, Jacqueline Hairston drops in to discuss the debut of her choral ensemble in New York's famed Carnegie Hall.  Ms. Hairston is admired her gifts as a singer, conductor, pianist, composer and arranger.  Her spiritual arrangements have been sung all over the world, notably by the internationally renowned soprano, Kathleen Battle.

The Brooklyn Native, soprano Laquita Mitchell drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African American Voice in Classical Music on Monday, February 6, 2012 at Noon.  Ms. Mitchell will discuss her upcoming performances with New York City Opera in Verdi's La Traviata.

The noted scholar and countertenor, Dr. Darryl Taylor drops in on the African American Voice in Classical Music to discuss the 2012 African American Art Song Alliance, to be held February 9-12 at the University of Califoria at Irvine.  Taylor will also discuss his career as a concert soloist and professor of music.

David Griffiths, Minister of Music at Washington, D. C. 's historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church drops in to discuss a special concert, launching the release of his new praise and worship songbook. "The Praise and Worship Experience showcases the full reach of his musical gifts:  his classical training at Peabody, the influences of gospel and the infusion of the Holy Spirit thoughout.  The concert will take place at the church on Saturday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m.  A full choir, orchestra, band, organ and guest soloists will present his compositions as a part of the church's "Building and Blessings" campaign to replace the church's roof and other needs to serve the community.  Dr. Derrick Harkins is Pastor.

THE CELEBRITY SERIES welcomes opera superstar, tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the first interview of the new year. Brownlee is perhaps one of the most internationally acclaimed singers on opera stages around the world. Proudly carrying the torch passed by the legendary tenor, George Shirley, Mr. Brownlee majestically carries forth the rich legacy set by his predecessor. Superstar Metropolitan Opera tenor  Lawrence Brownlee is one of the most consistently sought-after artists on the international scene. He is lauded continually for the beauty of his voice, his seemingly effortless technical agility, and his dynamic and engaging dramatic skills. Mr. Brownlee’s professional stage debut took place in 2002 as Almaviva in Barbiere with Virginia Opera, a role he subsequently performed in: Vienna, Milan, Berlin, Madrid, Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Baden-Baden, Hamburg, Tokyo, New York, Washington, San Diego and Boston, among other memorable engagements.   A native of Youngstown Ohio, Mr. Brownlee received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Anderson University and a Master of Music degree from Indiana University.