Mezzo-Soprano Denyce Graves Returns to Columbus for a One-Night-Only Performance, 3/25

Recognized worldwide as one of today's most exciting opera stars, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves continues to gather unparalleled popular and critical acclaim for her expressive, rich vocalism, elegant stage presence, and exciting theatrical abilities. This Opera Columbus Irma M. Cooper Vocal Competition winner will perform a mixed repertoire of arias, spirituals, and light opera standards.

Opera Columbus presents Denyce Graves at the Southern Theatre (21 E. Main St.) on Friday, March 25, at 8 pm. Tickets are $38-$98 at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase by phone, please call (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000.

Graves’ career has taken her to the world's great opera houses and concert halls. She has become particularly well-known to operatic audiences for her portrayals of the title roles in Carmen and Samson et Dalila. These signature roles have brought her to the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna Staatsoper, Royal Opera, Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Washington Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper, Arena di Verona, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Opernhaus Zürich, Teatro Real in Madrid, Houston Grand Opera, Dallas Opera, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Los Angeles Opera, and the Festival Maggio Musicale in Florence.

Her recital schedule takes her throughout North America. Highlights include performances with Brian Stokes Mitchell and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, a program to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. under the auspices of the Denver Spirituals Project, and a recreation of the historic Marian Anderson concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Graves also appeared as featured soloist in a nationally televised Memorial Day concert with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Graves is a native of Washington, DC, where she attended the Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts. She has also been invited on several occasions to perform at The White House. She has been the recipient of many awards, including the Grand Prix du Concours International de Chant de Paris and the Marian Anderson Award, presented to her by Miss Anderson.

Photo credit: Devon Cass