top of page
pinkshutterstock_2106263108.jpg

LILLIAN EVANTI

AUGUST 12, 1890 - DECEMBER 6, 1967

Lillian Evans Tibbs graduated from Howard University in 1917 and traveled to Europe in 1924 to study voice in Paris. At that time, she changed her name to a combination of her family and married names and performed as Lillian Evanti. She established an operatic career in Europe (primarily France and Monte Carlo) and toured extensively in South America. While she was invited to audition for the Metropolitan Opera—and did so several times between 1932 and 1946—she (like all other African American singers invited to audition at the time) was never offered a contract. However, she performed regularly with Mary Cardwell Dawson’s National Negro Opera Company and maintained an active concert career. Evanti also turned to composition in the 1940s, working first with publisher and blues composer W.C. Handy; she eventually published on her own via the Columbia Music Bureau that she founded in Washington, D.C.

pinkshutterstock_2106263108_edited.jpg

MEDIA

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

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • candid-seal-gold-2024

Our Federal tax ID is 86-2276658. 

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

unnamed-5.jpg

SUPPORT HIDDEN VOICES

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. Join our change-making efforts by supporting DGF with a donation today.

bottom of page