The Juilliard School, in partnership with The Denyce Graves Foundation, will present the New York premiere screening of “Simon Estes: A Heart & A Voice” on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Morse Recital Hall.

The documentary explores the life and career of trailblazing bass-baritone whose career includes more than 100 operatic roles performed in 84 opera houses, appearances with over 115 orchestras worldwide, and more than 30 recordings spanning opera, Broadway, and spirituals. The feature showcases archival materials and more than 65 recent interviews.

“Simon Estes: A Heart & A Voice” reveals how Estes helped break racial barriers for Black men in opera while maintaining a renowned international career at such companies as the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, the Opéra de Paris, and the Bayreuth Festival.

The 96-minute documentary screening will be followed by a conversation with Estes, moderated by Juilliard President Damian Woetzel, and co-hosted by legendary mezzo-soprano and Juilliard Distinguished Visiting Faculty member Denyce Graves.

The event is free and open to the public, with tickets required.

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