Voices of Ascension has announced the passing of Liz Norman.

Norman passed away in Brooklyn next to her family, after a long battle with cancer.

She was known as one of the most important altos in the Voices of Ascension ensemble from the earliest days, before the organization was incorporated, up until 2009.

After leaving the chorus, she served as Executive Director of the ensemble from 2009 to 2023. With the organization, she helped develop the Board of Directors, more than doubled the annual budget, diversified programming and funding sources, expanded the staff, and established an endowment fund to help sustain the organization for generations to come.

From an early age, Norman learned piano and voice, as well as French and German, in Iowa. After moving to New York City, she sang with many ensembles and toured the country with The Venus Trio, Gregg Smith Singers, and New York City Opera. She also helped establish a nationally recognized arts education program for NYCO and then developed a successful school partnership program for the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.