LAS VEGAS, NV (DSTS Inc) - Balancing the scales of music for African Americans, classically trained sopranos
Angela Brown and Kishna Davis began dazzling audiences as a duo in 2002 with their musical magic in an original concert called Opera...From A Sistah's Point of View. Performing from
Boston to Baton Rogue, with hopes of sharing the legacy of opera and classical music to the
Black community, Brown and Davis do it in a special way - they do it from a sistah's point of view.
Now, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, one of the oldest and renowned sororities in the USA, will honor Brown and Davis for their work and talent, during the 47th National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada July 22 - 28, 2004.
National President Gwendolyn E. Boyd issued a call to the 20,000 Deltas, family members, and friends who will be in attendance and join in honoring the opera singers at a special gala. The ensemble is being recognized for their extraordinary talent and work in broadening the musical exposure of audiences to include classical and opera music performed by African American artists.
'Whether singing arias or spirituals, summarizing librettos or teaching the difference between bravo and brava the duo exudes a down-to-earth quality,' stated a Washington Post reporter who recently attended an Opera...From a Sistah's Point of View concert. The article continued by noting that Brown and Davis offer equal part entertainment and education.
Distinguishing themselves worthy of the esteemed honor given them by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the divas wish to take opera to another level, by offering listeners the neo classical art form with a new homegrown flavor. They perform a wonderful variety of works including Puccini and Verdi, as well as Ellington and Gershwin.
'Opera can be loved by everyone when it is really understood and appreciated,' stated Davis, Maryland native and graduate of Morgan State University and Juilliard, upon hearing the news of the award. The Sistah's fuse together musical classics with delightful dialogue and charming vignettes. Their homegrown flavor is bought alive with the brilliance of the diva's voices, passion, and presence.
'When people hear classical music from a sistah's point of view, it becomes palatable and easy to listen to', added Brown, the founder and coordinator of the ensemble. Brown had the idea to begin performing concerts from a sistah's point of view some eight years ago. She since broadened the repertoire to include soprano Kishna Davis and are often accompanied by guest soloists and pianist Victor Simonson, who also serves as Musical Director for Three Mo' Tenors.
In addition to the 'Signature Gala' a black-tie event, at which Brown and Davis will be honored, this year's convention events include a salute to Delta leadership, an Authors' Pavilion and The Literary Cafe, Social Action Luncheon, Public Meeting, and for the 'hip hop' generation, a Step Show Competition.
Manager of Opera... from A Sistah's Point of View and Vice President of Thelemaque Associates, Terri Allen, noted Brown and Davis as mirroring the goals of the famed sorority by focusing on the commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service, while continuing in their tradition of visionary leadership by remaining on the leading edge of technology, developing caring and committed leaders, providing meaningful service initiatives, and moving beyond the traditional approaches to improve our communities.
Brown and Davis both have successful solo careers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, having performed with opera companies including New York's Metropolitan Opera, Cleveland Opera, Cincinnati Opera, San Francisco Opera, Dallas Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, Baltimore Symphony, Indianapolis Opera, New York City Opera, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Indianapolis Opera, and with the Long Island Philharmonic.
