Across The Arts With Patrick D. Mccoy

The Opera Diva Series hosted by Patrick D. McCoy continues with legendary soprano Martina Arroyo.  Specifically, Ms. Arroyo drops in to discuss her foundation's initiative, Prelude to Performance. Martina Arroyo is recognized as one of the pre-eminent lirico-spinto sopranos of our time. As both performer and teacher, she has always perceived that it is essential to understand all aspects of an operatic role in order to achieve a personal interpretation that is effective. The Martina Arroyo Foundation was founded  in June of 2003.  The musical community has welcomed The Martina Arroyo Foundation and its mission to ready young singers for a life on the professional stage through the preparation and interpretation of complete operatic roles for public performance. Its programs have gained particular respect for a method of specialized training that incorporates learning the historic framework of the drama and musical style, exploring the psychology and motivation of each character, and studying ways to use the

THE OPERA DIVA SERIES returns with internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Michelle DeYoung.  Ms. De Young will perform with Washington Concert Opera this weekend in Saint-Saens' Samson et Dalila The opera star drops in to chat with Patrick D. McCoy about the upcoming performance and her successful career as one of today's leading mezzo-sopranos. Michelle DeYoung has already established herself as one of the most exciting artists of her generation.  She has appeared with many of the world's leading orchestras.   Ms. DeYoung has also appeared with many of the finest opera houses of the world including the Metropolitan Opera. This season, Ms. DeYoung makes her debut at the Basel Opera as Amneris in Aida, sings Das Lied von der Erde with the Met Orchestra and Oedipus Rex with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, both conducted by James Levine, and appears in performances of Bluebeard's Castle with Esa-Pekka Salonnen and the New York Philharmonic.

The young conductor Marlon Daniel drops in on to discuss his upcoming performance with his orchestra,  Ensemble du Monde in New York City's Merkin Hall at Kaufmann Center. Currently, Maestro Daniel is Music Director of Ensemble du Monde, chamber orchestra, and has accepted a two-year position as Resident Conductor of the Sofia Sinfonietta (2012 through 2014). His new CD “Phoenix Forever” on the MSR Classics label received rave reviews and was a contender for a 2011 GRAMMY.

Listen in as host Patrick D. McCoy shares some of his favorite sacred works as the world marks the observance of Holy Week and Easter.  This broadcast includes arias and chorus from Parts II and III of Messiah, Selections from the "Life of Christ" sung by legendary tenor Roland Hayes and others.  Sacred reflections are offered in between.

Join host Patrick D. McCoy as he broadcast an hour long show dedicated to the brilliant soprano Kathleen Battle.  McCoy will share is initial introduction to Ms. Battle's glorious art and will play excerpts from her body of recorded works.  This show will honor Ms. Battle for her musical greatness and in no way wlll dimiss her many contributions to the world of music.  "This show is long overdue, and one very special and dear to my heart."  McCoy said.  Guests include Metropolitan Opera soprano Anita Johnson, who will speak specifically on Ms. Battle's influence on her choice to pursue singing and Monica Perdue, a soprano based in Chicago, IL and longtime admirer join the broadcast. Devoted fans and supportive colleagues are invited to be considered as guest on the show by e-mailing theafricanamericanvoice@gmail.com with Kathleen Battle in the subject line.  Only guest who share the intended spirit of this broadcast will be considered. Born in 1948 in Portsmouth, Ohio, Kathleen Battle is world renowned for

The acclaimed coloratura soprano Elizabeth Futral drops in on the show to discuss her current role in Mozart's Così fan tutte with Washington National Opera. Ms. Futral is a favorite particularly among D.C. audiences being featured as soloist with The Washington Bach Consort, Washington Concert Opera, Cathedral Choral Society, Vocal Arts DC and Washington National Opera.  Futral will also talk about the recital format and her early beginnings in music.

The acclaimed arranger of African American spirituals, Jacqueline Hairston drops in to discuss the debut of her choral ensemble in New York's famed Carnegie Hall.  Ms. Hairston is admired her gifts as a singer, conductor, pianist, composer and arranger.  Her spiritual arrangements have been sung all over the world, notably by the internationally renowned soprano, Kathleen Battle.

The Brooklyn Native, soprano Laquita Mitchell drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African American Voice in Classical Music on Monday, February 6, 2012 at Noon.  Ms. Mitchell will discuss her upcoming performances with New York City Opera in Verdi's La Traviata.

The noted scholar and countertenor, Dr. Darryl Taylor drops in on the African American Voice in Classical Music to discuss the 2012 African American Art Song Alliance, to be held February 9-12 at the University of Califoria at Irvine.  Taylor will also discuss his career as a concert soloist and professor of music.

David Griffiths, Minister of Music at Washington, D. C. 's historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church drops in to discuss a special concert, launching the release of his new praise and worship songbook. "The Praise and Worship Experience showcases the full reach of his musical gifts:  his classical training at Peabody, the influences of gospel and the infusion of the Holy Spirit thoughout.  The concert will take place at the church on Saturday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m.  A full choir, orchestra, band, organ and guest soloists will present his compositions as a part of the church's "Building and Blessings" campaign to replace the church's roof and other needs to serve the community.  Dr. Derrick Harkins is Pastor.

THE CELEBRITY SERIES welcomes opera superstar, tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the first interview of the new year. Brownlee is perhaps one of the most internationally acclaimed singers on opera stages around the world. Proudly carrying the torch passed by the legendary tenor, George Shirley, Mr. Brownlee majestically carries forth the rich legacy set by his predecessor. Superstar Metropolitan Opera tenor  Lawrence Brownlee is one of the most consistently sought-after artists on the international scene. He is lauded continually for the beauty of his voice, his seemingly effortless technical agility, and his dynamic and engaging dramatic skills. Mr. Brownlee’s professional stage debut took place in 2002 as Almaviva in Barbiere with Virginia Opera, a role he subsequently performed in: Vienna, Milan, Berlin, Madrid, Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Baden-Baden, Hamburg, Tokyo, New York, Washington, San Diego and Boston, among other memorable engagements.   A native of Youngstown Ohio, Mr. Brownlee received a Bachelor of Arts

Patrick D. McCoy marks the First Year Anniversary of The African American Voice in Classical Music with the return of the inaugural guest, the eminent conductor, Julian Wachner.  Wachner currently serves as Music Director of The Washington Chorus and Director of Music and Arts at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City.  In addition, he serves as associate professor of music at McGill University in Canada. Wachner will discuss the upcoming Candlelight Christmas Concerts, The Trinity Choir performance at Lincoln Center, personal musical interest and more.

THE OPERA DIvA SERIES:  Soprano Marquita Lister drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African American Voice in Classical Music to discuss her triumphant return to the opera stage.  Lister was the recent recipent of the Victory Award at the recent 25th Anniversary Victory Awards Gala held in Washington, D. C. at the Wardman Park Marriott.The Victory Awards® were created by NRH in 1986 to celebrate the Victory of the Human Spirit. This nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind award honors individuals who best exemplify exceptional strength and courage in the face of physical adversity. Over the past 25 years, NRH has recognized celebrities and former patients from all walks of life with this prestigious award. When illness threatened Lister's life and career, she did not give up.  With her faith, the support of friends and family and a resilient spirit, Lister has returned to performing to rave reviews. Marquita Lister has performed in some of the world's greatest opera houses and concert halls.

What a befitting way to begin the Christmas Season!  The noted organist, conductor and scholar Dr. J. Owen Burdick drops in to discuss the upcoming performance of Handel's Messiah at Washington, D. C.'s Church of  the Ascension and Saint Agnes.  Dr. Owen shares with us the significance of this performance and the special appeal of the timeless masterpiece.  Owen is no stranger to the work, with his many perfornances at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City being praised by critics and music lovers alike.  Burdick served as Director of Music at Trinity from 1990-2008.  He now serves as Organist/Choirmaster at Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes.   A graduate of State University of New York at Purchase and the Juilliard School (where his principal teachers included Albert Fuller, Anthony Newman, and Igor Kipnis), Burdick received his Ph.D. in music composition from the University of California in Los Angeles and holds the Associate and Choirmaster Certificates from the American Guild of Organists. H

In 2009, Jauvon Gilliam was unamimously named to the post of Principal Timpanist of the National Symphony Orchestra, the resident orchestra of The John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts.  A native of Gary, Indiana, Gilliam is an alumnus of Butler University.  He will speak to The African American Voice in Classical Music about his career as an instrumentalist in one of the nation's premiere orchestras

Soprano Sarah Coburn opens the 2011 Washington National Opera season in the title role of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor.  Ms. Coburn drops in on Patrick D. McCoy-The African-American Voice in Classical Music on THE OPERA DIVA SERIES.  Past guests have included:  Christine Brewer, Carmen Balthrop, Nicole Cabell and Angela Brown. Sarah Coburn’s engagements in the 2010-11 season include Gilda in Rigoletto with Los Angeles Opera and L’Opéra de Montréal, Amina in La Sonnambula with the Wiener Staatsoper, Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Seattle Opera, Handel’s L’Allegro with the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, a recital at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., and a return to Cincinnati Opera in the summer of 2011 as Gilda in Rigoletto.  Engagements in the 2009-10 season included Asteria in Tamerlano and Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia, both with Los Angeles Opera; also Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia for Florida Grand Opera; the title role in Lucia

Grammy Award winning Bass-baritone Mark Steven Doss joins the show for a "spooktacular" interview on Halloween!  Doss inaugurated the "I TOO, SING AMERICA SERIES" and returns to share with Patrick D. McCoy, The African American Voice in Classical Music some new developments in his celebrated career.

Millions around the world heard the soaring tenor voice of Kenneth Tarver just a few weeks ago, singing as tenor soloist in the Mozart Coronation Mass and other music at the Royal Wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco.  Kenneth Tarver has appeared at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the Metropolitan Opera, among numerous others.  Recent successes include the role of Orfeo in Haydn’s L’Anima del Filosofo at the Budapest Festival conducted by Adam Fisher, Gluck’s Orphèe et Euridice at Staatsoper Stuttgart, Mozart’s Idomeneo at La Monnaie with Jeremie Rhorer, Haydn’s Orlando Paladino at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam with the Hilversum Radio Orchestra conducted by Alessandro De Marchi and Haydn’s L’Infedelta Delusa at the Musikverein Vienna conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt.   Tarver is a distinguished graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, The Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and holds a Masters of Music Performance from Yale University School

Aaron Dworkin, President and Founder of the Detroit-based Sphinx Organization drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African American Voice in Classical Music to discuss his recent appointment to National Council on Arts.  He was confirmed on Tuesday by the Senate and will serve a six year term.  Dworkin, was nominated for the post last year by President Barack Obama.  Dworkin started the Sphinx Organization to provide opportunties for Black and Latino string players in addition to advocating for the arts.  The Sphinx Organization is known for its annual string competition, which showcases some of nation's most exceptional minority string players. Beginning with a very small budget, the organization is certainly a success story.  Dworkin is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

Lauded by The New York Times as a “terrific singer” and The Friday Morning Music Club as “possessing great potential to seize a World-Class vocal career”, Sidney Outlaw was named the 2010 Grand Prize winner of the Concurso Internacional de Canto Montserratt Caballe.  This rising young baritone from Brevard, North Carolina, has already performed in some of the finest houses in America recently completing the prestigious Merola Opera Program, as well international debuts as Guglielmo (Cosìfan tutte) in both Germany and Israel.  Mr. Outlaw is also a graduate of the acclaimed Florida Grand Opera Young Artists.  Mr. Outlaw’s orchestral and recital performances include debuts of renowned works at major concert halls: The Messiah at Carnegie Hall, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor at Avery Fisher Hall and “Wednesday At One” at Alice Tully Hall.  He has appeared in recital as part of the New York Festival of Song with pianists Steven Blier and Michael Barrett and as part of the Marilyn Horne Foundation where he d