Operagasm.com Celebrates Black History Month

Feb. 3, 2010 - PRLog -- The focus for the month of February at Operagasm.com is ‘Black History.’ We are eager to commemorate the past efforts of African-Americans who made the first moves for representation in the operatic and classical community. We hope to gain a better understanding of the current racial climate by hearing testimonies from young, rising African-American students and professionals as well as exploring current trends in casting and production efforts involving African-American performers. We look forward to a month of education and growth as we reflect upon the future of the business and the importance of equality within our field.

When we decided upon this theme, we purposely sought articles from African-American contributors. This is not to say that non-African-Americans have nothing valid to provide on this topic, but all too often African-Americans are overlooked in the industry; we want to help to overcome that trend.

Herewith, we are incredibly thankful and outlandishly thrilled to present our lineup for the month of February. Mr. George Shirley, world-renowned, Grammy award-winning, and the first African-American tenor placed under contract by the Metropolitan Opera, will set our month in motion!!! Yes! He gets THREE exclamation points! We will also hear from Rhea Olivacce, a DMA student of Ms. Shirley Verrett at the University of Michigan who speaks of the challenges faced by young Black singers in terms of repertoire decisions and the discrimination they face from their own communities. Oaklea Rowe offers a vivid perspective on a topic that many can relate to: “You just don’t LOOK the part!”

Our second week begins with an inspiring story by Fred Peterbark who took amazing initiative to launch “A Tribute to Black Pioneers in Music History,” a beautiful musical and educational tribute to the singers who began the fight against racial obstacles in opera and composition. Peabody graduate, Bridgette Cooper and current Peabody student, Benjamin Moore will also offer articles during the second week.

Can you believe there is more? Judith Still – the daughter of legendary composer William Grant Still – will be sharing an article with us in week three of our journey; we are so thankful to have her enthusiastic support. Graduate student Amy Van Mechelen of Colorado State University in Ft. Collins will deliver a student perspective and just down the road at the University of Colorado in Boulder Mr. Larry Giddens discusses the need to “ adjust [opera] companies’ conceptual glasses with our voices, hard work, and dedication.”

Taking a break from the White House, playwright Paul Stovall heads the final week of ‘Black History Month’ at Operagasm. Our friend, Nathan Meyers has graciously agreed to offer another perspective from the land of Bratwurst…or Germany as we call it these days, which promises to be just as insightful as his last contribution. Bringing the short month of February to a close is Jayme Alilaw, a student and emerging professional studying at California State University. All of these articles are in addition to the news, fashion, reviews, and fun tidbits that we bring to you everyday!

The subject of race is a touchy one and a fascinating one and there are undoubtedly hundreds of opinions to be potentially shared and discussed. We hope you will take the opportunity to join the conversation, become educated, ask questions, and enjoy this month of celebration!

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Operagasm.com is a substantive, cutting edge e-magazine featuring a national perspective on current events, news, reviews, interviews, fashion and editorial contributions regarding opera and classical music.