Ms.
Jessye Norman, one of the greatest operatic singers of the Twentieth Century,
is following a trail blazed by Elizabeth Greenfield, Marian Anderson and others.
Born in Augusta, Georgia
and endowed with a beautiful soprano voice, she has taken lessons all of her
life to ensure its quality and enhance her skills.
Ms. Norman made her professional
debut in Germany, in the opera "Tannhauser." When the music world
learned of her amazing talent, it beat a path to her door. She was offered opportunities
to perform in a variety of operas, concerts and recitals including some with
major symphony orchestras.
Through television and film,
millions of people are able to hear her magnificent voice and observe her regal
bearing. This is especially true when she infuses spirituals into her classical
repertoire. Ms. Norman has appeared in the series, "Live from the Metropolitan
Opera Company," "Live from Lincoln Center" and in similar specials.
This marvelous singer has
received many honors; the ones awarded in France ore the most unique. In 1984,
she was made a commander of France's Order of Arts and Letters. Its Museum of
Natural History named an orchid for her as well. In 1989, French President Francoise
Mifferand presented her with the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors.
Millions of people heard her soaring voice affirm the ideals of liberte, equalite,
fraternite when she sang the French National Anthem, La Marseillaise, on a program
celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the French Revolution.
