THIBODAUX, La. — The Nicholls Department of Music will present a tribute to opera singer Jessye Norman next week.
Be it operatic, concert or recital, Norman was a titan of the stage. She is associated with many famous roles, including Beethoven’s Leonore, Bizet’s Carmen and Wagner’s Sieglinde.
“A Classic Tribute to Jessye Norman” will draw upon her work and voice, which the New York Times described as a “grand mansion of sound.”
The concert, free and open to the public, will be at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, at the St. John’s Episcopal Church at 718 Jackson Ave. in Thibodaux.
The concert will feature Dr. Valerie Francis, a spinto soprano who puts on the annual Opera Workshop, Dr. Wilfred Delphin, a pianist and Southern Illinois University Carbondale professor emeritus, and Richard Hobson, a baritone and Southern University professor of voice.
Delphin has accompanied Francis on piano in several concerts. He has performed in Carnegie Hall and also for President Carter in the East Room of the White House.
Hobson has performed all over the world and has been a part of The Metropolitan Opera for ten consecutive seasons. He has performed in operas including Carmen.Dr. Francis has been involved in the New Orleans Opera, including the debut of Freedom Ride. She has appeared as a guest soloist with the Dallas Symphony, AIMS, Louisiana Philharmonic and Jefferson Performing Arts Society Orchestras. She has also performed several opera roles Norman once graced with her talent, including Carmen, Aida from Verdi’ Aida and Donna Elvira from Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 30, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@nicholls.edu
