Denyce Graves

An acclaimed mezzo-soprano opera singer, Denyce Graves made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1995, captivating audiences with her powerful performances. She quickly became recognized for her interpretations of the title roles in Carmen and Samson et Dalila, gracing stages at numerous opera houses worldwide. Graves honed her skills through rigorous vocal studies, including the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (1981), the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and the New England Conservatory. Her early career development included working at the Wolf Trap Opera Company and participating in the Houston Opera Studio from 1988 to 1990.

In 2010, Graves performed for Supreme Court justices alongside Lawrence Brownlee. Graves continued to expand her repertoire with significant contemporary projects. She sang in the world premiere of Terence Blanchard’s boxing opera Champion with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 2013. A recording of her rendition of ‘We Shall Overcome’ was selected to be sent to space on the first test flight of the Orion spacecraft in 2014.

Additionally, Graves has contributed to children’s education through appearances on Between the Lions, teaching phonetic sounds, and serves as a prominent cultural ambassador.