Across The Arts With Patrick D. Mccoy

The Chicago native, cellist and author Elaine Mack drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African American Voice in Classical Music.  Fresh from a highly heralded presentation of her book at the 2011 Convention of the National Association Negro Musicians, Inc. in Philadelphia, Mack discusses her new book:  "Black Classical Musicians in Philadelphia.  The book is a must have for the music history buff.   Profiles of accomplished musicians include:  Marietta Simpson, Karen Slack, Leslie Savoy Burrs, Blanche Burton Lyles and Gregory Hopkins among many others.

Dr. Andre J. Thomas drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African-American Voice in Classical Music to discuss his journey as one of the most sought after choral conductors in the world.  André J. Thomas, the Owen F. Sellers Professor of Music, is Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Choral Music Education at The Florida State University. A previous faculty member at the University of Texas, Austin, Dr. Thomas received his degrees from Friends University (B.A.), Northwestern University (M. M.), and the University of Illinois (D.M.A). He is in demand as a choral adjudicator, clinician, and director of Honor/All-State Choirs throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.  Dr. Thomas has conducted choirs at the state, division,and national conventions of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). His international conducting credits are extensive. They include conductor/clinician for the International Federation of Choral Musici

Celebrated Bass-Baritone Mark Steven Doss will inaugurate the I TOO, SING AMERICA SERIES, a sequence of interviews celebrating the African-American male presence in the international firmament of opera and classical music. Mr. Doss will discuss the performances of his signature role of Méphistophélès in the Santa Fe Opera Company’s production of Faust and highlights of his great operatic career. A celebrated bass-baritone, his accomplishments include a Grammy Award for his work on the recording of Semele (Handel), and numerous engagements with the famous Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. When he is not touring, Mr. Doss divides his time between residences in Toronto and Pennsylvania.

My dearest apologies to my listeners for the technical difficulties in the beginning of this interview.   You find that these "real" moments actually add to the fun nature of this live conversation! Opera Diva, Angela M. Brown drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African-American Voice in Classical Music about her exciting career interest in the area of opera, including her program "Opera from a Sista's Point of View,"  he recent wedding in Paris and her future career goals. Angela Brown personifies the ideal American dramatic soprano: sheer vocal power; luxurious finesse; shimmering, high pianissimos; and a charming personality larger than life. Her highly successful Metropolitan Opera debut in 2004 sparked a media excitement with reviews from The New York Times: "At last an Aida," the Associated Press: "she combines a potent, dusky lower register with a striking ability to spin out soft high notes of shimmering beauty. There's no doubt her voice is powerful enough for Verdi," CBS Evening News: "the future of

Legendary Metropolitan Opera soprano Leona Mitchell drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African American Voice in Classical Music to discuss her only New York City appearance this weekend with the Metro Chamber Orchestra. After her debut in Carmen with the San Francisco Opera,  Ms. Mitchell made her Metropolitan Opera debut in the same opera n 1975. Her recording of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess with Lorin Maazel and the Cleveland Orchestra brought her international acclaim.  Several recordings and television appearances are all to her credit.  A Grammy Award Winning Soprano, Mitchell sang for 18 seasons with the The Metropolitan Opera.  Appearances in other great houses include Paris, Covent Garden, Vienna, Rome, Australia, Buenos Aires, San Francisco, Chicago, Caracalla, and The Orange Festival amongst others. She has also appeared with some major symphony orchestras including those in London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and many others. Miss Mitchell has sung for four of US Presidents

Internationally acclaimed gospel music icon, Richard Smallwood drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African-American Voice in Classical Music to discuss his unique style of infusing classical themes into his celebrated gospel artistry.  Smallwood will also discuss his new recording, Promises, which will be available in June 21, 2011. About Richard Smallwood: Richard Smallwood is a legend in his own time. After four decades as one of the most popular inspirational artists in the music business, with classic tunes such as “Total Praise;” “Center of My Joy;” and “I Love the Lord” to his credit, the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and pianist continues to enjoy widespread popularity and influence. His songs have been recorded by Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, Kelly Price, Gerald Levert, American Idol’s Ruben Studdard, and a who’s who of the gospel world. Even the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has recently recorded a Richard Smallwood tune, “Faithful,” on her latest CD. Recently, while standing before

Fisk University Organist, Dr. Anthony Williams drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African-American Voice in Classical Music to discuss his upcoming organ recital at the Washington National Cathedral on Sunday, May 22. At the historic Fisk University in Nashville, TN, Dr. Williams teaches organ and courses in music history. In addition to his academic post, Williams is the organist at First Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Previous university appointments include Dillard University, where he was a member of the music faculty.  His teaching career began at Fisk, serving in as director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers in the late 80s.  This earned him a place in the history of the legendary ensemble as the youngest person to hold the position. Anthony Williams earned the Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the American Conservatory of Music. His

The inaugural interview of THE MAESTRO SERIES, an on-going series dedicated to some of the world's greatest choral and orchestral conductors.  Stanley Engebretson, conductor of the National Philharmonic Chorale drops in on The African American Voice in Classical Music, Patrick D. McCoy to discuss the upcoming performance of the Verdi Requiem at the Music Center at Strathmore with stellar soloists soprano Arianna Zukerman, mezzo-soprano Patricia Miller, tenor Don Bernadini, and bass Kevin Deas with the National Philharmonic Orchestra.   About Stan Engebretson: Dr. Stan Engebretson in addition to his work with the National Philharmonic Chorale is also Director of Choral Studies at George Mason University, teaching conducting and directing the University Symphonic Chorus, University Singers, and three Vocal Jazz Ensembles.  An active guest conductor and clinician, Engebretson holds performance degrees in Voice and Piano from the University of North Dakota, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting f

Internationally acclaimed concert organist Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African-American Voice in Classical Music to discuss his upcoming Kennedy Center Organ Recital in the Concert Hall.  THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS is a series devoted to featuring organ virtuosos and champions of the great literature of Bach, Buxtehude, Vierne and the like.  This series is inspired by PipeDreams hosted by Michael Barone.

The inaugural inteview of THE TRAILBLAzER SERIES:  a series devoted to those artists that are knocking down barriers, paving the way for others to follow and enjoy thriving careers in the performing arts.  Internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera tenor, George Shirley is a sterling example, being the first African American star tenor, folowing in the footsteps of icon Roland Hayes.

2005 Winner of the BBC Singer of the World Competition, Nicole Cabell drops in on the African American Voice in Classical Music, Patrick D. McCoy to discuss her flourishing career as one of the world's leading sopranos

THE OPERA DIVA SERIES CONTINUES: One of America's preeminent dramatic sopranos, Christine Brewer drops in on "The African-American Voice in Classical Music" host Patrick D. McCoy to discuss her career and March recital at The Kennedy Center, presented by Vocal Arts DC.

Soprano Carmen Bathrop reflects on crowning moments of her career, including her Metropolitan Opera Audition, numerous performances and teaching at the University of Maryland at College Park

René Clausen conductor of the famed Concordia Choir of Moorehead, Minnesota drops in on "The African-American Voice in Classical Music" host Patrick D. McCoy to discuss the choir's upcoming concert tour, with a concert February 19, 2011 at the National Presbyterian Church. Choir around the world have sung the compositions of Clausen, including his classic setting of "Set Me as a Seal," "All Ye that Hath Life and Breath" among many others.

Composer Fred Onovwerosuoke drops in on host "The African-American Voice in Classical Music" Patrick D. McCoy with Washington, D. C. based soprano Marlissa Hudson on Thursday, Feb. 3 , 2011 at 11AM (EST) to discuss the new recording Libera, featuring original works and traditional works sung by Ms. Hudson, accompanied by pianist Peter Henderson.

Recognized worldwide as one of today's most exciting vocal stars, Denyce Graves continues to gather unparalleled popular and critical acclaim in performances on four continents. USA Today identifies her as "an operatic superstar of the 21st Century," and the Atlanta Journal Constitution exclaims, "if the human voice has the power to move you, you will be touched by Denyce Graves."Her career has taken her to the world's great opera houses and concert halls. The combination of her expressive, rich vocalism, elegant stage presence, and exciting theatrical abilities allows her to pursue a wide breadth of operatic portrayals and to delight audiences in concert and recital appearances. Denyce Graves 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 Ms. Graves to the Metropolitan Opera,Vienna Staatsoper, Royal Opera, Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Lyric Opera of Chicago, The W

New York City based musician Courtney Carey shares with Patrick D. McCoy. "The African-American Voice in Classical Music" exciting details about a special tribute concert held in memory of the late soprano Shirley Verrett. Ms. Verrett passed away on November 5, 2011. Her loss is tremendous, as she was one of the greats from the post-war era. This special concert, which will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church, is at present one of two in the country in her honor. The concert will include special spoken tributes by legendary mezzo soprano Hilda Harris, her accompanist for 40 years, Warren Wilson, co-author of her autobiography Christopher Brooks, and written tributes by Martina Arroyo and Leontyne Price, a special memorial chorus, soprano Janinah Burnett (Spelman c/o 2000), mezzo sopranos J'nai Bridges, Lucia Bradford-Wiggins, and a video montage which will feature clips of Miss Verrett and some never before seen photos. The evening will be emceed by ano

Patrick D. McCoy, The African American Voice in Classical Music, reflects after watching the broadcast of the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors. The 2010 Honorees were Merle Haggard, Jerry Herman, Bill T. Jones, Paul McCartney & Oprah Winfrey. Callers are invited to share their thoughts and opinions on the broadcast. Also, Patrick will share his plans for the new year,as well as future projects in the arena of classical music.

Magdalena Wór is a First Place Winner of the Marcella Sembrich and Heinz Rehfuss Vocal Competitions, a Finalist and Prize Winner of the Moniuszko International Voice Competition, a Metropolitan Opera Competition National Finalist, as well as an alumna of the San Francisco Opera’s Merola Summer Opera Program, Chautauqua Music Institution’s Marlena Malas Voice Program, St. Louis Opera Theatre’s Gerdine Young Artist Program, and the Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program. This past season Ms. Wór’s performaces included Cherubino in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro with the Ashlawn Opera Festival, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass with the National Philharmonic, Handel’s Messiah with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, title role in Bizet’s Carmen with the Palm Beach Opera and a concert in London celebrating Chopin’s 200th Birth Anniversary. Magdalena is originally from Poland and has lived in the United States since 1991. She received her Bachelor and Masters degrees in vocal performance from Georgia S

Music Director of The Washington Chorus Julian Wachner speaks to Patrick D. McCoy about the upcoming Candlelight Concerts, the 50th Anniversary Season and his tenure thus far as Director of Music and Arts at Trinity Church in New York City.