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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

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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.

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 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.

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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.

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EVENTS

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HIDDEN VOICES SPOTLIGHT

Leonora Lafayette

Leonora Lafayette, born and raised in Baton Rouge, was the daughter of a brick mason who had attended Tuskegee Institute, and a teacher/seamstress. She graduated from Fisk University, where she studied with Dr. Denton Russell who cast her in several productions at the university.  She then tried to enroll at Louisiana State University to pursue her Master of Music degree but was denied admission because of her race. She instead took advantage of a funding program established by the state of Louisiana that awarded funds to students of color who pursued professional study elsewhere. She used her funds to study for a year at the Juilliard Conservatory under Dusolina Giannini and, while in New York, was cast as the understudy to Muriel Rahn in a production of The Barrier by Jo Meyerowitz (based on the Langston Hughes poem “The Mulatto”). She later performed the same role at a drama festival at the University of Michigan (Mattawilda Dobbs was also in the cast). 

Unable to find roles in the United States, she won a John Hayes Whitney Fellowship to study in Europe and was in Paris by 1951. She went to Basel shortly afterward, and the city became her permanent home.  She tied for second place in the Concourse de Genéve and debuted in Aïda in Basel in 1951; shortly afterward she became the first African American singer to star at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden (as a last-minute replacement for an ailing singer). Her career included appearances with opera houses throughout Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe. She also performed in the Czech Republic, South Africa and South America.  She was known not only for the roles of Madama Butterfly and Aïda, but also Mimi in La Bohéme and Gilda in Rigoletto. She performed numerous solo recitals and as a soloist in oratorios. After 1949 her career unfolded completely outside the United States. 

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. 

1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste. 500

Washington, DC 20035

1740 Broadway, 15th 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

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. 

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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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