African-American Artists in Italian Opera

On Friday, September 23, at 1 p.m., we will look at the repertoire of black singing artists Robert McFerrin, Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price and Shirley Verrett in Italian opera. We will examine D.C. origins, in particular the efforts of Mary Cardwell Dawson and the National Negro Opera Company, with musical selections from Aida, La Forza del Destino, ll Barbiere di Siviglia and Madama Butterfly. 

Selections will be presented through recordings in the public domain, and the talents of Washington National Opera singing artists and Dana Scott, accompanist. 

All programs are free and open to the public.  All ages are welcome.