Jessye Norman will visit Australia in 2012 for a recital tour, accompanied by the
acclaimed pianist Mark Markham.
Although a superstar in the classical world, her love of music expands many genres. Her repertoire is uniquely wide-ranging and she performs other musical styles to great acclaim; including blues, jazz, spirituals and songs from American musical theatre.
Since her operatic debut in 1969, Ms Norman has become an iconic performer; known and loved for her sumptuous sound, joy of singing and spontaneous passion. She has over 75 CDs of eclectic
repertoire in her recorded catalogue, and has been recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award
from the Grammy Awards (only the fourth classical artist to be recognised with this honour).
Ms Norman's career is one of epic proportions and her contributions to the musical world have been well recognised. President Obama recently presented Ms Norman with the National Medal of Arts, America's highest honour for artistic excellence, and she has been awarded honorary doctorates at thirty-eight Colleges, Universities and Conservatories around the world.
While Ms Norman is lauded for her magnificent musical career, it is perhaps what she gives back that makes her such a shining star. For example, she was made an Honorary Ambassador to the United Nations for her humanitarian and civic contributions, and she serves on a number of boards including the New York Public Library, Dance Theatre of Harlem and City Meals-On-Wheels. She is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America and has established a school for artistically talented students in her hometown.
Ms Norman's voice is an exquisite instrument, but it is perhaps the humanity that she brings to her life and music which makes her performances so captivating and memorable – whether she is singing Wagner or Gershwin.
This recital is a rare opportunity for Australian audiences to experience the vocal brilliance and
humanity of a true legend of classical music in intimate setting. Not to be missed!
Videos