To say that he is the most acclaimed countertenor of the day, perhaps the best ever, is to understate his achievement. He is simply a great singer. — The New York Times
Norfolk, Fairfax, Richmond, VA (January 11, 2017) Virginia Opera will presentthe superstar countertenor, David Daniels in an exclusive Master Teacher Series of events, February 7-9, at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, VA. Mr. Daniels will work with Virginia Opera’s Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists in a sequence of workshops and coaching sessions culminating in a free public presentation on Thursday, February 9 at 7 P.M.
Russell P. Allen, President and CEO, commented on the importance of the Master Teacher Series to Virginia Opera and the impact of having a vocal professional of Daniels stature leading this program. “Virginia Opera is as committed to the growth and development of emerging young artists as it is to the opera education of the students within the Commonwealth. The Master Teacher Series brings the Opera’s Emerging Artists together with the top vocal coaches in the country for a three-day intensive workshop culminating in this very special public performance.”
Considered to be the greatest countertenor in opera today, Daniels was honored by Gramophone magazine as one of the “Top Ten Trailblazers” in classical music for “his contribution to recorded excellence as well as his expansion of the repertoire for his voice type.” Other awards include Musical America’s Vocalist of the Year and the Richard Tucker Award. He made history as the first countertenor to give a solo recital in the main auditorium of Carnegie Hall. His unique and courageous career path will provide fascinating insight and inspiration to this group of young singers on the brink of their own vocal successes.
Daniels experienced inner conflict about his singing voice while studying with his voice teacher in graduate school, George Shirley. He admits he never felt comfortable singing tenor and always felt his true singing voice was that of his natural head voice. Fortunately, Mr. Shirley encouraged him to continue as a countertenor and thus a worldwide career unfolded.
His active career has taken him to the most prestigious opera houses in the world including: The Metropolitan Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerische Staatsoper, Glyndebourne Festival, Teatro alla Scala, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. Even with his international performance schedule, Daniels also serves as Professor of Music at his alma mater, The University of Michigan.
Virginia Opera’s Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from Mr. Daniels’ bold personal and professional path. The final session of the Master Teacher Series featuring Daniels, will be a public masterclass free and open to the public. The opportunity to experience the talent and results of his mentorship of these young artists promises to be remarkable.
About Virginia Opera
Virginia Opera Association, Inc., in its 42nd season, is known and respected nationwide for the identification and presentation of the finest young artists, for the musical and dramatic integrity of its productions, and for the ingenuity and variety of its education and outreach programs. Mainstage performances in three markets across the Commonwealth reach nearly 50,000 attendees annually.
In March of 1994, by unanimous vote of the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia Opera was named The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia in recognition of the organization’s contribution to the state as well as to the world of opera. For tickets and information visit vaopera.org or call 866.673.7282.
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