Opera Ebony's Heritage Weekend Debuts Master Class THE ART OF THE SPIRITUAL and More, 2/9-10

Opera Ebony, the longest running African - American Opera Company in the United States, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a special celebration weekend with 2 events. The Art of The Spiritual, - a master class to be taught by Florence Quivar, mezzo-soprano, a prominent Opera singer known for her warm, and rich voice, will be taught today, February 9, 2013 at 4PM at Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew (Chapel - 263 West 86th Street New York, NY 10024), Admission is $10 (mail payments to: Opera Ebony Guild, 305 West 90th Street, Suite G, New York, NY 10024). This master class, right in time for Black History Month, will teach the history of the Negro spiritual from the shores of Africa to present day, as well as showcase 6 young singers on the interpretation, style and performance practice of the spiritual.

The celebratory weekend will continue with a Heritage Concert on Sunday, February 10 at 4PM at Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew (in Main Sanctuary - 263 West 86th Street New York, NY 10024). The concert will feature Soprano Janinah Burnet, who is currently performing in La Rondine with the Metropolitan Opera and will be heard with the MET later this season in Parsifal. Ms. Burnett appears courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera.

The Heritage Concert will also include performances by: Janinah Burnett, Soprano, Karen Parks, Soprano, Patrick Dailey, Counter-tenor, K'idar Miller, Tenor, Anthony Turner, Baritone and Davone Tines, Bass-baritone. Each songstress will perform a group of Spirituals and art songs by African American composers. Music Director, Wayne Sanders and Associate Music Director, James Davis (The Abyssinian Baptist Church) will share accompanying responsibilities at the piano. General Admission is $25. For more information and tickets visit: www.etix.com.

Gregory Sheppard, General Manager of Opera Ebony states, "The Art Song literature of African American composers is some of the most beautiful classical music literature written. Works of composers Uzee Brown, Betty Jackson King, Leslie Adams and others will be represented during the rich performance." Sheppard adds, "How fitting to celebrate these composers, the art of the Spiritual and more during this Black History Month and in our 40th Season - we are proud to continue this rich legacy."