American opera singer, author to present master class at VCU

By Malorie Burkett

RICHMOND, Va. - Shirley Verrett, one the first African-American stars to achieve and sustain international stardom in the world of opera, will present a master class at Virginia Commonwealth University, Saturday, Feb. 28.

Free and open to the university community and the public, the master class is part of the celebration of Black History Month and VCU's new African American Studies major, which received approval in April 2003 from the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia. The master class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at VCU's W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave.

After the class, VCU will present Verrett with an honorary doctorate, followed by a reception in her honor.

Verrett's connection with VCU began with Christopher Brooks, Ph.D., associate professor of African American studies and anthropology in the School of World Studies. Brooks' interest in Verrett's career in the 1970s led him to approach the opera star in hopes she would tell her story. 

Together, Verrett and Brooks co-wrote her autobiography "I Never Walked Alone: The Autobiography of an American Opera Singer." The book was published in 2003 by Wiley & Sons and tells the story of the singer's rise to success at a time when black classical musicians faced many barriers.

Throughout her life, Verrett overcame racial prejudice, the difficulties of show business in the opera and classical music world as well as the impact of her own complicated upbringing. Her career spanned most of the second half of the 20th century, and she won acclaim in an uncommonly wide range of roles at venues including New York's Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera and Italy's La Scala.

In addition to the master class, degree conferral and reception, Brooks and Verrett will hold a book signing together on Saturday Feb. 28 at 3p.m. at Barnes & Noble, Short Pump, 11640 W. Broad St., Richmond. During the book signing, individuals will have the opportunity to meet the authors, hear Verett's story in person and purchase the book or CD to have personally signed by the authors. For more information on the events, call 827-1232, or visit www.shirleyverrett.com.