“Opera: Reflecting on the Past, Reaching toward the Future” Roundtable Discussion

Livestream Link

A roundtable discussion on race in opera with guest artists Will Liverman and Karen Slack, with SMTD’s Dr. Louise Toppin and Professor George Shirley. Each will discuss their experience in their careers and what is needed from future generations as we continue to make classical music a more accessible, inclusive space.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Antonio Cuyler, with opening remarks by Dean Dave Gier.

This event is part of an artist residency with Will Liverman and Karen Slack funded by SMTD, an Arts Initiative Grant, and the SMTD office of DEI.

ABOUT THE GUEST ARTISTS

Called “a voice for this historic moment” (Washington Post), GRAMMY Award-winning baritone WILL LIVERMAN has recently starred at the Metropolitan Opera in the title role of X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X. His album Dreams of a New Day: Songs by Black Composers was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album.
http://www.willliverman.com

Known for performances that “ripped the audience’s hearts out” (Opera News), KAREN SLACK is “not only one of the nation’s most celebrated sopranos, but a leading voice in changing-making spaces in classical music” (Trilloquy). A recipient of the 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Slack is an Artistic Advisor for Portland Opera, serves on the board of the American Composers Orchestra and Astral Artists, and holds a faculty position at the Banff Centre.
http://www.sopranokarenslack.com

The planned visit of guest artist John Holiday, countertenor, has been cancelled due to illness. We apologize for any inconvenience.