Graves Guests At Commonwealth Youthchoirs' Gala Concert 6/16

Commonwealth Youthchoirs has announced that Denyce Graves, recognized worldwide as one of today's most exciting vocal stars, will appear as guest star at its Annual Gala Concert at the Kimmel Center on June 16, 2009.

Denyce Graves is particularly well-known to opera audiences for her portrayals of the title roles in Carmen and Samson et Dalila. She has performed these signature roles with the world's most venerable opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna Staatsoper, Covent Garden, Opéra National de Paris, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Arena di Verona, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro Real in Madrid, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and the Festival Maggio Musicale in Florence.

Described by USA Today as "an operatic superstar of the 21st century," Denyce Graves has achieved unparalleled popular and critical acclaim for performances on four continents. The combination of her expressive, rich vocalism, elegant stage presence, and exciting theatrical abilities allows her to pursue a wide breadth of operatic portrayals as well as to delight audiences in concert and recital appearances.

In announcing Ms. Graves' appearance, Commonwealth Youthchoirs Executive Director Susan S. Ashbaker said, "We are delighted that our choirs will have the opportunity to join in a performance with the magnificent Denyce Graves. She is an incredible role model for our young singers, and we look forward to a spectacular event this June, certain to be memorable for singers and audience alike."

During the past season, the artist won critical acclaim as Baba the Turk in a Robert Lepage production of The Rake's Progress at San Francisco Opera, made her Hong Kong debut as Charlotte in Werther at Hong Kong Opera, and appeared in the title role of Carmen with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. She also traveled internationally making extensive tours of concerts, recitals and master classes.

The June 16 Gala Concert at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts marks the fifth such performance for Commonwealth Youthchoirs. Now in its eighth year, the organization provides music education and performance opportunities for nearly 300 young singers, aged seven through high school, representing the greater Philadelphia area, New Jersey and Delaware, who sing with one of its two member-choirs, Keystone State Boychoir (www.paboychoir.org) and Pennsylvania Girlchoir (www.pagirlchoir.org).

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