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EDUCATING IS ACTIVISM:

SUPPORT DGF

DGF is focused on the intersection of social justice, American history, and the arts. Deeply inspired by the achievements of America’s hidden musical figures, the foundation is invested in doing research and educating the public about their remarkable stories of courage and persistence. From enriching our musical heritage to preparing the diverse pool of tomorrow’s vocal stars, DGF will positively impact how artists are valued in this nation, encouraging inclusive opportunity, access, and advocacy for the next generation.

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OUR PURPOSE AND VISION

Follow us and be the first to know when new events are announced!

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FEBRUARY 5, 2025
5:30 PM EST
University of Maryland

The Golden Age of Black Opera: A conversation with Legendary African American Mezzo-Soprano Denyce Graves

In celebration of Black History Month, Dean Stephanie Shonekan invites you to an exclusive conversation with mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves as part of the Spring 2025 ARHU Dean’s Lecture Series. The discussion will explore Denyce’s work as both an artist and advocate, including a focus on The Denyce Graves Foundation. An audience Q&A will conclude the dialogue. 

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FEBRUARY 10, 2025
4:00 PM EST

Morehouse College

Myra Huang Master Class

Join us for an exclusive Masterclass with grammy nominated pianist and coach Myra Huang, accompanied by pianist Ella Lewis!⁠ This event is generously made possible by The Metropolitan Opera's Learning Series, "Behind the Curtain." Presented by The Denyce Graves Foundation, this is a valuable opportunity for musicians to deepen their artistry and witness a rich exchange of ideas.⁠⁠

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FEBRAURY 18, 2025
7:00 PM EST
The Town Hall

The Tongue & The Lash

The New York premiere of THE TONGUE & THE LASH, a chamber opera by Damien Sneed (composer/conductor) and Karen Chilton (librettist), brings James Baldwin's legacy to life through a stirring exploration of race, privilege, and morality in America. Directed by Founder & Artistic Director Denyce Graves-Montgomery, and

featuring Shared Voices alumni Joseph Parrish & Justin Bell.

EVENTS

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HIDDEN VOICES SPOTLIGHT

Theodore Drury

Theodore Drury starred in Black traveling opera troupes and sang on the vaudeville stage as a “Hindoo Barytone.” At a time when performance in full operatic productions was rare for African Americans, he founded the Theodore Drury Opera Company, taking Black operatic productions off the vaudeville circuit and into the opera house. The company’s production of Bizet’s Carmen in New York (1900) was the first all-Black production of a standard repertoire opera in the United States. Harry T. Burleigh conducted, and Drury starred with soprano Desseria Plato. The company’s most notable season was 1906 when they produced Aida, Carmen and Faust during one week in May. After 1909 Drury produced operas less frequently but was active until at least 1941. In an interview he acknowledged that in later years it was necessary to rely on community members and students rather than professional singers to reduce production costs. Drury advocated for the inclusion of Black singers in white companies, although this goal was not realized in his lifetime. His company was among the first to insist of fully integrated audience seating, and his well-attended performances were the highlight of the social season in New York City. 

OUR STORY

DGF is rooted in the belief that now is the time to increase our nation’s commitment to its artists, both past and present—for America’s future and for the whole world. In paying homage to the achievements of so many who have gone before while serving the real needs of today’s emerging artist singers, The Denyce Graves Foundation is giving back and paying it forward at the same time.

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OUR MUSIC CONSERVATORY PARTNERS

The Denyce Graves Foundation is proud to partner with the following Music Conservatories for the 2022 - 2023 Shared Voices program. Click on each institution's logo to learn more. 

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1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste. 500

Washington, DC 20035

1325 Avenue of the Americas, 28th Floor

NYC, NY 10019

917-821-3437

info@thedenycegravesfoundation.org

© 2023 The Denyce Graves Foundation

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Our Federal tax ID is 86-2276658. 

The Denyce Graves Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. 

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IN THE NEWS

The Denyce Graves Foundation Appoints New Music Director

DGF has now appointed the French conductor Pierre Vallet as its new Music Director. A graduate of L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, Vallet is also a pianist, lecturer, and guest teacher at world-leading institutions, plus has guest conducted at many opera houses worldwide. 

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Denyce Graves on THE PASSION OF MARY CARDWELL DAWSON at North Carolina Opera

Broadway World speaks with Denyce Graves about THE PASSION OF MARY CARDWELL DAWSON at North Carolina Opera in December of 2024.

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NPR Music: Opera star Denyce Graves’ global compassion in red, white and blue

Lara Downs interviews Founder and Artistic Director, Denyce Graves in her NPR Classical California segment "AMPLIFY." It was from one of her students that she first heard about Mary Cardwell Dawson, fostering the careers of hundreds of young Black singers during an era of institutional racism and segregation. She spearheaded fundraising efforts to restore Dawson’s historic building and collaborated with the Glimmerglass Festival to produce and premiere a new musical play called The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson. That’s just one example of the passion-into-action that drives Denyce and her Foundation.

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OUR HBCU PARTNERS

The Denyce Graves Foundation is proud to partner with the following Historically Black Colleges and Universities for the 2022 - 2023 Shared Voices program. Click on each institution's logo to learn more. 

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