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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.
OUR PURPOSE AND VISION
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SEPTEMBER 27, 2024
2PM - 9PM EST
PEABODY INSTITUTE
Symposium Day 1
To launch the third year of its flagship initiative, Shared Voices, the Denyce Graves Foundation presents a Classical Vocal Arts Symposium to participants in their third program year. Day one features Laryngoscopy & "Death by Aria" Cohort Concert.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
9AM-5PM EST
PEABODY INSTITUTE
Symposium Day 2
To launch the third year of its flagship initiative, Shared Voices, the Denyce Graves Foundation presents a Classical Vocal Arts Symposium to participants in their third program year. Day 2 features event kickoff, breathing workshop, & mock auditions.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
9:30-1:30 PM EST
PEABODY INSTITUTE
Symposium Day 3
To launch the third year of its flagship initiative, Shared Voices, the Denyce Graves Foundation presents a Classical Vocal Arts Symposium to participants in their third program year. Day 3 features a masterclass presented by Susan Ashbaker.
EVENTS
HIDDEN VOICES SPOTLIGHT
Thelma Waide Brown
Thelma Waide Brown was an important performer and educator in Chicago. Born in Ashland, KY, her family moved first to Indianapolis and then to Chicago where she remained for the rest of her life. She performed extensively as a soloist in the Midwest and performed on the operatic stage when possible. Her most notable stage performances were with the National Negro Opera Company (NNOC); she sang the role of the High Priestess in the initial performances of Aïda with that company in 1941, appearing in Pittsburgh and Chicago. She was also active in the administration of both the national group and the Chicago Guild and remained a staunch supporter of Black operatic performances in the Chicago area. She performed in concert productions of Samson et Delilah and was a regular soloist in performances of Handel’s Messiah.
Ms. Brown was on the faculty of Roosevelt College in Chicago for more than twenty-six years; her students included Betty Jackson King and Lena Johnson McLin. Among her honors and awards were Woman of the Year by the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (1954), a certificate of award from the National Association of Negro Musicians (1961), a certificate from the Chicago Music Association (1962), and the award for outstanding achievement from the National Association of Negro Musicians (1973). In 1969 the Chicago Musical College held an honorary dinner in her honor commemorating her fifty-year career.
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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.
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.
1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste. 500
Washington, DC 20035
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
Blacktastic Honors Living Legend Denyce Graves: Elevating the Hidden Voices of Black History and Shaping Tomorrow’s Stars
Arts for Learning Maryland is honored to feature Denyce Graves, internationally recognized mezzo-soprano opera singer, as this year’s Blacktastic living legend! While the annual virtual festival traditionally features Black historical figures from days past, Denyce stands out as a musician actively writing her chapter in Maryland’s history book today. In addition to being an Emmy and Grammy Award-winning vocalist, mother, wife, and educator, Denyce is an arts nonprofit pioneer making sure the path is clear for the young musicians of tomorrow through the work of the Denyce Graves Foundation.
Opera singer Denyce Graves is ready to 'turn the page' with new Foundation that champions overlooked musical voices
BALTIMORE SUN: Denyce Graves, artistic director and founder of the Denyce Graves Foundation, talks about the foundation. She is in her studio at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University where she is a faculty member. Graves created the foundation to promote equality in classical vocal music, bring the stories of those not given attention to light and support young artists.
WETA Arts Presents A Conversation with Denyce Graves: Her career, mentorship, Foundation, and future plans
The February episode of WETA Arts, the locally-produced television program of WETA that celebrates visual and performing arts in the Washington, D.C. area, will present a special feature on world-renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, with a focus on The Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF), which seeks to advance equity and inclusion in American Classical vocal artistry with an innovative approach that includes seeking out “hidden musical figures” of the past.
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.