LATEST UPDATES EXPLORING OPERA

The Classical Voices of Color

Winter 2016 page 40  Exploring      OPERA

From the concert stage to the opera house, African 

American singers have been performing on the 

world stage since the 1800s. Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, 

Sissieretta Jones and Marian Anderson were pioneering 

classical concert artists whose voices paved the way for 

singers who followed in their footsteps to sing on opera 

stages around the world. This is also true for tenor 

Roland Hayes and bass Paul Robeson. They influenced 

many African American male singers including the 

acclaimed tenors Cook, Dixon & Young. Tenor Thomas 

Young of Cook, Dixon and Young had many 20th century 

operas written with him in mind. Tenor Rodrick Dixon 

is known for singing some of the most difficult operatic 

tenor roles. Combined with tenor Victor Cook and 

several PBS Specials, the tenors Cook, Dixon & Young 

brought classical music and classical crossover into the 

average African American household and took it to a 

whole new level.

What started with a slave who sang her way to freedom 

has blossomed into a treasure trove of artists who 

continue to set high standards as they now routinely sing 

in the great concert halls and opera houses of the world. 

These charcoal drawings on Arches watercolor paper 

(France), are available for sale. For more information 

contact the artist at nicholsart@gmail.com or 

808.478.8974 or visit https://nicholsart.wixsite.com/website

Classical Voices of Color

The artist John Nichols introduces a sampling of his new collection of classical concert artists and opera singers.