Dare to Dream - A concert in celebration of Martin Luther King Day by Simon Estes

As people all over the country celebrate Martin Luther King Day, we here at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance will join in the day of observation with a performance by the internationally acclaimed bass-baritone Simon Estes in a concert entitled Dare to Dream.

Estes has sung at the world’s greatest opera houses as well as before presidents, popes, and internationally renowned figures including Boris Yeltsin, Nelson Mandela, and Yasser Arafat. One of his greatest career moments was singing the role of Amonasro in Aida for Leontyne Price’s farewell performance at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. His career began when black singers were still rare in the world of opera. He has transcended discrimination, achieving insurmountable success and going on to encourage the careers of others. He established the Simon Estes Educational Foundation, which has awarded over one million dollars in merit-based college scholarships. The Simon Estes International Foundation for Children in Switzerland has saved lives by providing support for child health need in Switzerland and Bulgaria. Most recently, Estes has turned his attention to the fight against AIDS, leading a collective voice of artists who, through music and the arts, seek to break down socio-economic barriers as well as the stigma associated with the disease.

It therefore could not be any more fitting for Mr. Estes to lead us in this celebration. Don’t miss this transcendent experience. Mr. Estes will be backed by a full choir comprised of students from the vocal arts program at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

Simon Estes will perform on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 2PM at the Mendelssohn Theatre.  Admission is free.  A forum discussion entitled "Social Justice Through Music Education" will follow at 4PM in the Mendelssohn Theatre.