There are so many that don’t know the many famous Black faces in opera (Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, Martina Arroyo, Simon Estes, Lawrence Brownlee etc.) just yet. I will say that my blackness has had a positive influence on my career when it comes to our black youth. Things have definitely gotten a lot better since the early years, but unfortunately, racial typecasting in the arts is a very real issue. Personally (and I know I’m not the only Black woman who is forced to do this) once I know the information about the opera house, what opera they’re doing, and have read the guidelines for the role, I then have to think: would they actually be willing to let a Black woman play this role?” Unfortunately opera hasn’t always been welcoming or accommodating to Black singers. I don’t have the luxury of assuming that every opera house will want the leading female roles to be played by Black women. My blackness has been influential on my career. How has your Black identity influenced your career? This art form really is magnificent, and I always look forward to the next opportunity!
I have had so many rewarding opportunities in opera. Two of the Highlights of my journey as an opera singer would be playing the lead role of Azelia in Troubled Island, by the prestigious Black composer, William Grant Still and traveling to Shanghai, China to perform in Gianni Schicchi. I went on to compete at the Metropolitan Opera National Council state and district auditions, then sang my first opera at Wildwood – I was in the chorus for Amahl and the Night Visitors. It made me want to keep pursuing it more. I was super excited – singing that style of music in front of a huge audience with a riveting orchestra was a real thrill for me. Imagine my surprise when I found out I had won! The prize was singing two arias with the Conway Symphony Orchestra. Robert Holden, thought I should enter the concerto competition at UCA. As a sophomore, I was given my 1st two arias: “O mio Fernando” by Gaetano Donizetti and “When I am laid in earth” by Henry Purcell. My journey began as an undergrad at the University of Central Arkansas.
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