Denyce Graves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denyce Graves
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Denyce Graves in Baltimore, Maryland, 2013
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| Born | March 7, 1964 |
| Occupation | Opera singer (mezzo-soprano) |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Spouse(s) | Robert Montgomery |
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Denyce Graves, born on March 7, 1964, is a famous American opera singer. She sings in a special voice range called a mezzo-soprano, which is a lower female voice.
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Early Life and Training
Denyce Graves was born in Washington, D.C.. She grew up with her mother and two siblings. She went to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and finished in 1981.
After high school, Denyce studied singing at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory. She also trained at the Wolf Trap Opera Company. This company helps young singers get ready for a professional career. Later, she joined the Houston Opera Studio from 1988 to 1990.
Amazing Career Highlights
Denyce Graves first performed at the Metropolitan Opera in 1995. She has sung in many opera houses around the world. Two of her most famous roles are the main characters in the operas Carmen and Samson et Dalila.
Singing for Presidents and Special Events
Denyce has performed at many important events.
- On September 14, 2001, she sang "America the Beautiful" and "The Lord's Prayer". This was at a special service for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. President George W. Bush and other leaders were there.
- On January 20, 2005, she sang "American Anthem" at the second inauguration of President George W. Bush. An inauguration is a ceremony where a president officially starts their term.
- In May 2010, she performed for the Supreme Court justices in the United States Supreme Court Building.
- On September 25, 2020, Denyce sang at the US Capitol. This was during a memorial for her friend Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who loved opera.
Opera and Television Appearances
In 2003, Denyce had her own TV special called Denyce Graves: Breaking the Rules. She also hosted a radio show called Voce di Donna (Voice of a Lady). On this show, she talked with other opera singers.
She also appeared on the children's TV show Between the Lions. She used her singing skills to help children learn about words and sounds.
In 2005, she sang the main role in a new opera called Margaret Garner. This opera was written by Richard Danielpour and Toni Morrison.
In 2013, Denyce sang in another new opera called Champion. This opera was about boxing and was created by Terence Blanchard and Michael Cristofer.
In 2022, she performed in the opera The Hours at the Metropolitan Opera. This performance was also shown in movie theaters as part of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD series.
Music in Space
In 2014, a recording of "We Shall Overcome" featuring Denyce Graves was sent into space. It was on the first test flight of the Orion spacecraft. This special recording was arranged by composer Nolan Williams, Jr..
Awards and Recognition
Denyce Graves has received several honors for her amazing work.
- In 2017, The Washington Performing Arts gave her the Ambassador of the Arts Award.
- In 2019, she received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. This award was given to her by Dr. Ben Carson.
See also
In Spanish: Denyce Graves para niños
