On Oct. 3, PBS and Great Performances will present “The Magic of Grace Bumbry.” The documentary recounts the story of the African American Missouri native who rose to fame in the 1960s international opera scene. Bumbry’s rise began in the 1950s when she won a radio competition at the age of 17. Encountering racism when she was prevented from studying {…}
What does it take to make a difference in the opera world? And what does it mean? Should one be world-famous, have a star-management and a five-figure fee? I guess it’s a certain way. But then, on a planet [over]-populated by almost eight billion people, we would have just a handful of such personalities. When a couple of years ago, {…}
The late Grace Bumbry’s family home in St. Louis is up for sale. The house which is listed on Zillow is described as a “magnificent 3-story, 6-bedroom home” which “exudes charm & character, providing ample space for family and guests. Spanning 5,462 square feet per appraisal.” The house carries a rich history as the former home of International Opera Star {…}
Mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry passed away on May 7, 2023 in Vienna, Austria. She was 86. Recently, she suffered an acute ischemic stroke from a fall and was hospitalized. Bumbry was a member of a pioneering generation of African-American opera and classical singers in the worlds of opera and classical music and helped pave the way for future generations of African-American {…}
Grace Bumbry has been hospitalized after a stroke. A press release stated, “On Thursday, October 20th, 2022, our beloved family member Grace Melzia Bumbry of St. Louis, Missouri, suffered an acute ischemic stroke. The renowned American opera star is currently hospitalized and in recovery in Queens, New York. U.S.A.” It added, “Following Grace’s successful recanalization procedure, her neurosurgeon, Dr. Moshen {…}
On Sept. 16, Grace Bumbry is set to receive a tribute from an entire community in Teatro Van Westerhout in Mola di Bari. In association with Agìmus, Palazzo Pesce will present the ceremony in honor of Grace Bumbry and the closing concert by students of the Advanced Masterclass for opera singers. In the opera recital, the students of the masterclass {…}
Grace Bumbry is speaking out regarding the Bumbry Method. The mezzo-soprano, who has promoted her masterclasses as the “Bumbry Way” took to social media and said, “Dear all, I write this message with great concern!!! It has come to my ears that there are singers who are teaching a singing method called Bumbry Method. From what I’ve heard they are {…}
Legendary singer Grace Bumbry was honored at the Festival Valle Della d’Itra in Martina Franca, Italy. The singer received the Premio Rodolfo Celletti at the conclusion of a performance of “Beatrice di Tenda” at the Palazo Ducale on July 26. The festival’s president Alessandro Caroli and the mayor of Martina Franca, Franco Punzi were in attendance to give the award {…}
OPERA America has announced “OPERA America Salutes,” a celebration of opera’s outstanding leaders and the organization’s next 50 years. The March 4, 2022 event honoring artists, producers, and champions of the art form, will take place at The University Club of New York, and be hosted by mezzo-soprano, Denyce Graves. OPERA America will funnel the proceeds for the event into {…}
San Francisco Opera is in the midst of its month-long festival dedicated to Wagner’s “Ring Cycle.” In the coming weeks, Lois Silverstein will explore her experience not only revisiting the 2018 opera production but several of the events and panels presented by the company. Grace Bumbry! Soprano eccellente! Magnifica! Barrier Breaker! Phenomenon. Kenneth Overton, Grammy-winning Baritone, interviewed the iconic diva for {…}
(Credits: Maria José Siri official website / Chris Gloag / Zoe Cura / Georg List) Italian television channel Rai5 has announced broadcasts for the week of Feb. 14 – Feb. 20, 2021. The opera broadcasts will be dedicated to composer Giacomo Puccini. The stream on Feb. 14 will be dedicated to late soprano Mirella Freni. OPERAS The broadcast of Niccolò {…}
