Artists rally to honour Jessye Norman’s 75th
mainThe singer’s estate has put out a call to artists to sing for Jessye on September 15, the daye she would have turned 75.
Among those to respond so far are Martina Arroyo, Simon Estes, Harolyn Blackwell, George Shirley, J’Nai Bridges, Measha Brueggergosman, Justin Austin, Brandie Sutton and Russell Thomas. Funds from the concert will go to the Jessye Norman School of Arts.
Jessye died last September, at 74.
OMG, just three years before she died – and stuck in a wheelchair from her spinal injury – she could still really sing :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv5HGWMVT3I
Extraordinary, Ralph, thank you for sharing.
Costa
I used to like her voice, then I found it simply overwhelmed the music and was just over the top. She had a great career though and is obviously very much missed by her fans. I can’t believe how so much has happened in the (almost) year since she died!
Unbelievable. Thanks for sharing.
test
Many years ago, we rented a gorgeous cottage in Norfolk. The owner let us have two tickets for a concert at Ely Cathedral with Jessye Norman as they were unable to go.
To our surprise, as it was summer, it was a concert of Christmas music. It was being filmed in advance of the festive season.
To hear that wonderful voice in such a beautiful setting was an experience I shall never forget. Particularly moving was a new carol that had been written for her: ‘Jessye’s Carol.’ It brought tears to my eyes.
I have most of Jessye’s recordings, but that moment hearing her ‘live’ is one that I will treasure.
I have that wonderful Christmas album. Thank you for your memory.
So do I! And all the others…
I was in the chorus of that concert that became a video and now a DVD and YouTube. Ely Cathedral, June 1997 for ITV. It was a real experience to have seen her work and be part of it all.
Sorry, it was 1987 not 97.
Yes, 1987 and it was summer. We were asked to wear our coats to make it look like it was December for the carols. How wonderful to have been in the choir, Una. I will never forget that concert and I’m sure you will treasure it too.
We would love to participate here in Rio de Janeiro. Is there anything we could do to join?