January 20, 1895 Eva Jessye, the first black woman to receive international distinction as a professional choral conductor, was born in Coffeyville, Kansas. Jessye studied choral music and music theory at Western University, a now defunct historically black college, and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Langston University in 1919. In 1926, she formed [...]
Tag Archives | opera
July 11th in African American History – Mattiwilda Dobbs
July 11, 1925 Mattiwilda Dobbs, coloratura soprano and one of the first black singers to enjoy a major international career in opera, was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Dobbs began piano lessons at the age of seven and sang in the church choir. She graduated from Spelman College in 1946 with a degree in music and [...]
June 22nd in African American History – Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Allen
June 22, 2009 Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Allen, operatic mezzo-soprano, died. Allen was born March 17, 1927 in Campbell, Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the Hartford School of Music in vocal performance and her first major performance came in 1951 as the soprano soloist in “Jeremiah Symphony” with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
March 17th in African American History – Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Allen
March 17, 1927 Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Allen, operatic mezzo-soprano, was born in Campbell, Ohio. Allen earned a bachelor’s degree from the Hartford School of Music in vocal performance and her first major performance came in 1951 as the soprano soloist in “Jeremiah Symphony” with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She made her opera debut the following [...]
February 21st in African American History – Eva Jessye
February 21, 1992 Eva Jessye, the first black woman to receive international distinction as a professional choral conductor, died. Jessye was born January 20, 1895 in Coffeyville, Kansas. She studied choral music and music theory at Western University, a now defunct historically Black college, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Langston University in [...]
November 24th in African American History – Hale Smith
November 24, 2009 Hale Smith, composer, pianist, arranger and educator, died. Smith was born June 29, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music in 1950 and 1952, respectively.