Across the Arts with Patrick D. McCoy

The Opera Diva Series hosted by Patrick D. McCoy continues with legendary soprano Martina Arroyo.  Specifically, Ms. Arroyo drops in to discuss her foundation's initiative, Prelude to Performance.

Martina Arroyo is recognized as one of the pre-eminent lirico-spinto sopranos of our time. As both performer and teacher, she has always perceived that it is essential to understand all aspects of an operatic role in order to achieve a personal interpretation that is effective.

The Martina Arroyo Foundation was founded  in June of 2003.  The musical community has welcomed The Martina Arroyo Foundation and its mission to ready young singers for a life on the professional stage through the preparation and interpretation of complete operatic roles for public performance. Its programs have gained particular respect for a method of specialized training that incorporates learning the historic framework of the drama and musical style, exploring the psychology and motivation of each character, and studying ways to use the body and the voice (including language and diction) to understand and express character.

THE OPERA DIVA SERIES returns with internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Michelle DeYoung.  Ms. De Young will perform with Washington Concert Opera this weekend in Saint-Saens' Samson et Dalila The opera star drops in to chat with Patrick D. McCoy about the upcoming performance and her successful career as one of today's leading mezzo-sopranos.

Michelle DeYoung has already established herself as one of the most exciting artists of her generation.  She has appeared with many of the world's leading orchestras.   Ms. DeYoung has also appeared with many of the finest opera houses of the world including the Metropolitan Opera.

This season, Ms. DeYoung makes her debut at the Basel Opera as Amneris in Aida, sings Das Lied von der Erde with the Met Orchestra and Oedipus Rex with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, both conducted by James Levine, and appears in performances of Bluebeard's Castle with Esa-Pekka Salonnen and the New York Philharmonic.

The young conductor Marlon Daniel drops in on to discuss his upcoming performance with his orchestra,  Ensemble du Monde in New York City's Merkin Hall at Kaufmann Center.

Currently, Maestro Daniel is Music Director of Ensemble du Monde, chamber orchestra, and has accepted a two-year position as Resident Conductor of the Sofia Sinfonietta (2012 through 2014). His new CD “Phoenix Forever” on the MSR Classics label received rave reviews and was a contender for a 2011 GRAMMY.

Listen in as host Patrick D. McCoy shares some of his favorite sacred works as the world marks the observance of Holy Week and Easter.  This broadcast includes arias and chorus from Parts II and III of Messiah, Selections from the "Life of Christ" sung by legendary tenor Roland Hayes and others.  Sacred reflections are offered in between.

Join host Patrick D. McCoy as he broadcast an hour long show dedicated to the brilliant soprano Kathleen Battle.  McCoy will share is initial introduction to Ms. Battle's glorious art and will play excerpts from her body of recorded works.  This show will honor Ms. Battle for her musical greatness and in no way wlll dimiss her many contributions to the world of music.  "This show is long overdue, and one very special and dear to my heart."  McCoy said.  Guests include Metropolitan Opera soprano Anita Johnson, who will speak specifically on Ms. Battle's influence on her choice to pursue singing and Monica Perdue, a soprano based in Chicago, IL and longtime admirer join the broadcast.

Devoted fans and supportive colleagues are invited to be considered as guest on the show by e-mailing [email protected] with Kathleen Battle in the subject line.  Only guest who share the intended spirit of this broadcast will be considered.

Born in 1948 in Portsmouth, Ohio, Kathleen Battle is world renowned for her silvery, lyric soprano voice.  Whether she is championing the works of Handel or essaying jazz standards, Ms. Battle's voice is in a league of its own.

The acclaimed coloratura soprano Elizabeth Futral drops in on the show to discuss her current role in Mozart's Così fan tutte with Washington National Opera. Ms. Futral is a favorite particularly among D.C. audiences being featured as soloist with The Washington Bach Consort, Washington Concert Opera, Cathedral Choral Society, Vocal Arts DC and Washington National Opera.  Futral will also talk about the recital format and her early beginnings in music.

The acclaimed arranger of African American spirituals, Jacqueline Hairston drops in to discuss the debut of her choral ensemble in New York's famed Carnegie Hall.  Ms. Hairston is admired her gifts as a singer, conductor, pianist, composer and arranger.  Her spiritual arrangements have been sung all over the world, notably by the internationally renowned soprano, Kathleen Battle.

The Brooklyn Native, soprano Laquita Mitchell drops in on Patrick D. McCoy, The African American Voice in Classical Music on Monday, February 6, 2012 at Noon.  Ms. Mitchell will discuss her upcoming performances with New York City Opera in Verdi's La Traviata.

The noted scholar and countertenor, Dr. Darryl Taylor drops in on the African American Voice in Classical Music to discuss the 2012 African American Art Song Alliance, to be held February 9-12 at the University of Califoria at Irvine.  Taylor will also discuss his career as a concert soloist and professor of music.

David Griffiths, Minister of Music at Washington, D. C. 's historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church drops in to discuss a special concert, launching the release of his new praise and worship songbook. "The Praise and Worship Experience showcases the full reach of his musical gifts:  his classical training at Peabody, the influences of gospel and the infusion of the Holy Spirit thoughout.  The concert will take place at the church on Saturday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m.  A full choir, orchestra, band, organ and guest soloists will present his compositions as a part of the church's "Building and Blessings" campaign to replace the church's roof and other needs to serve the community.  Dr. Derrick Harkins is Pastor.