Opera Legend Jessye Norman Helps Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Ecumenical Theological Seminary

Opera Legend Jessye Norman Helps Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Ecumenical Theological Seminary

DETROIT, May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Jessye Norman, one of the greatest opera singers of her time, will make a rare appearance in recital to benefit Detroit's Ecumenical Theological Seminary on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, at the Detroit Opera House. Miss Norman is renowned for her sumptuous sound, her joy of singing, and spontaneous passion in recital performances, operatic roles, and appearances with symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles worldwide.

Winner of numerous honors, Jessye Norman became only the fourth opera/classical music singer in the history of the Grammy Awards to be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for classical music. She joins other honorees: Enrico Caruso, Marian Anderson, and Leontyne Price.

"I am thrilled that Jessye Norman has agreed to sing for us in celebration of our 50th anniversary," said Dr. Marsha Foster Boyd, President of Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS). "It is particularly fitting because her artistry crosses all musical boundaries from opera to spirituals and even jazz, and her concerts appeal to everyone. In a similar way, ETS stands as a beacon of dialogue and healing across other kinds of boundaries. Those are the boundaries that threaten to divide us: boundaries of race, gender, faith, economics, and geography. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to train future church leaders to build bridges of understanding and healing so that we may truly be one community in God's sight. What Jessye Norman does through her music, ETS does through its commitment to education, diversity, and ministry in the city."

Miss Norman sang from a very early age in her hometown of Augusta, Georgia, in her church, in various community organizations and in her schools. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree at Howard University and a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan.

Her interest in music education and other humanitarian concerns is widely applauded. There is a fellowship as well as a Master Class series in her name at The University of Michigan School of Music and the Jessye Norman School of the Arts in Augusta, Georgia, an after-school program for talented middle school students, now in its third year.

While maintaining an active performing schedule, Norman finds time for extensive community service, including serving on the Boards of Directors for the New York Public Library , Citymeals-on-Wheels in New York City, Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, Howard University, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She is a board member and is the national spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation and the Partnership for the Homeless.

Miss Norman has received worldwide acclaim, including 30 honorary doctorates from colleges and universities throughout the world. She was the youngest person to receive the Kennedy Center Honor, the highest American award for the performing arts, and was awarded the Legion of Honor from President Francois Mitterand of France.

Octavio Roca, music writer for The Washington Times, wrote, "Listening to Jessye Norman find her way into a song is like watching in wonder as a beautiful morning reaches the climax of noon. Warmth and blinding light are everywhere in her voice."

The Jessye Norman recital will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a reception. Tickets for the performance will go on sale in June. For more information, contact Judy Holmes at 313-831-5200, ext. 209.

Ecumenical Theological Seminary, located at 2930 Woodward Avenue, Detroit is a fully-accredited seminary offering Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Located in an urban setting in Midtown Detroit, ETS provides education in the Christian tradition while welcoming interfaith dialogue. ETS promotes critical reflection by all members of its learning community, and integrates theology with practice and faith with social responsibility. For more information on academic programs call 313-831-5200 or visit http://www.etseminary.edu/ .

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Source: Ecumenical Theological Seminary

CONTACT: Dennis Archambault of Archambault Public Relations,
+1-313-865-6604, darchamb@sbcglobal.net, for Ecumenical Theological Seminary

Web site:

http://www.etseminary.edu/

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