Jessye Norman
Jessye Norman is "one of those once-in-a-generation singers who
is not simply following in the footsteps of others, but is staking
out her own niche in the history of singing" (The New York
Times). She continues to bring her sumptuous sound, her joy of
singing, and her passion to recital performances, operatic
portrayals, and appearances with symphony orchestras and chamber
music ensembles to audiences around the world. The size, power, and
luster of her voice share equal acclaim with that of her thoughtful
music making, innovative programming of the classics, and fervent
advocacy of contemporary music. Miss Norman's collaborations with
artists on the cutting-edge of their respective fields—Robert
Wilson, Andre Heller, Bill T. Jones, Steve McQueen, and Laura
Karpman—serve to add new dimensions and exciting challenges to her
work.
The Jessye Norman School of the Arts in her hometown of Augusta,
Georgia—now entering its 10th academic year—serves as a
tuition-free platform and unique study facility for talented middle
school students in music performance, writing, drama, dance, and
visual arts. A fellowship and master class series established in
her name at the University of Michigan's School of Music further
attests to Miss Norman's encouragement and support of emerging
talent.
Miss Norman is the recipient of many awards and honors. In December
1997, she was presented with the highest accolade in the US for the
performing arts—the Kennedy Center Honor—making history as the
youngest recipient in the Honors' 20-year existence. In 2010, she
was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in
the East Room of the White House. Her many other prestigious
distinctions include honorary doctorates at more than 40 colleges,
universities, and conservatories, the most recent being from the
Manhattan School of Music and Northwestern University.
In February 2006, Miss Norman became only the fourth opera singer
in the 48-year history of the Grammy Awards to be presented with
The Lifetime Achievement Award for Classical Music. Creating her
own place in this legendary list of awardees, Miss Norman joined
the illustrious company of Enrico Caruso, Marian Anderson, and
Leontyne Price.
In addition to her busy performance schedule, Miss Norman serves on
the Board of Directors for The New York Public Library and on the
Board of Governors for the New York Botanical Garden. She is also
on the boards of Carnegie Hall, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Howard
University, the Lupus Foundation of America, and Paine College. She
serves as an Honorary Ambassador to the United Nations and is an
Officer of France's Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur. She is
also national spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation and the
Partnership for the Homeless.