The Met to Host Open-to-the-Public Celebration Honoring Jessye Norman
Soprano Jessye Norman. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Pool, Harry Cabluck
The Life and Career of Jessye Norman Will Be Celebrated on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the Metropolitan Opera House
The stellar and stunning life and career of Jessye Norman will be celebrated in late November of 2019 by The Metropolitan Opera House. The event, a special tribute paying homage to the opera star who died in September, will be open the public and invited guests.
Jessy Norman sang more than 80 performances with the company, captivating audiences with her extraordinary vocal power, musical sensitivity, and sparkling tone. She was beloved for her interpretations of Elisabeth in Tannhäuser, Sieglinde in Die Walküre, and Kundry in Parsifal.
Though it’s impossible to narrow down Jessye Norman’s influence and power to just one performance, she will perhaps be most remembered for her definitive portrayal of the title role in Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos. Her numerous broadcasts, telecasts, and recordings assure her legacy remains alive for future generations to enjoy.
The November 24 celebration of Jessye Norman will begin at 3 PM and will feature performances by leading artists, video highlights of her career, and remarks by artistic and civic leaders.
The celebration will feature performances by Met artists J’Nai Bridges, Lise Davidsen, Leah Hawkins, Latonia Moore, and Eric Owens; the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; members of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus and the Met’s Porgy and Bess chorus; pianist Mark Markham and composer/pianist Damien Sneed.
Speakers for the tribute include James Howard Norman, Elaine Norman Sturkey, Anna Deavere Smith, Gloria Steinem, Clive Gillinson, Darren Walker, Peter Gelb, and the French former Minister of Culture Jack Lang.
Admission to Jessye Norman’s Celebration of life is free and open to the public.