Press Release: Denyce Graves in Concert at Cotuit Center for the Arts

Cotuit Center for the Arts presents internationally renowned mezzo soprano Denyce Graves on Thursday, December 13, at 7:30 PM.

“We are proud to offer a rare opportunity to hear one of opera’s most incredible divas up close and personal,” said David Kuehn, executive director of Cotuit Center for the Arts. “Don’t miss what I am sure will be a spectacular performance!”

Currently appearing in the Metropolitan Opera’s North American premiere production of “Marnie,” a reimagining of the novel on which the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name was based, Graves is recognized as one of today’s most exciting vocal stars. She has performed to unparalleled popular and critical acclaim on four continents.

Graves has been praised for her expressive, rich vocalism, elegant stage presence and exciting theatrical abilities, her wide breadth of operatic portrayals, and her ability to delight audiences. USA Today described her as “an operatic superstar of the 21^st century,” and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote, “If the human voice has the power to move you, you will be touched by Denyce Graves.”

Graves is best known for her portrayals of the title roles in “Carmen” and “Samson et Dalila.” She has also appeared in productions of “The Rake’s Progress,” “Margaret Garner,” “Werther,” “Bluebeard’s Castle,” “Doubt,” “Champion,” “The Mikado,” “Salome,” “Candide,” and more. Her career has taken her to the world’s great opera houses and concert halls.

She has worked with leading symphony orchestras and conductors in a wide range of repertoire, including the classical repertoire of German lieder, French mélodie, and English art song, as well as Broadway, crossover, jazz, and African-American spirituals. The New York Times wrote, “Her voice is dusky and earthy. She is a strikingly attractive stage presence and a communicative artist who had the audience with her through four encores.”

Graves has been a prolific recording artist and has appeared on many radio and television show, and often gives performances to raise funds for charitable causes. She has received numerous awards for her work. Graves is on the voice faculty of the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore.

Graves is enthusiastic about opera and the role of the arts and committed to sharing opera with children and adults. As one reviewer put it, “Denyce Graves is an absolute force of nature. This is apparent any time she takes the stage, whether it is in a role or as an instructor.”

In a recent interview on classical radio station WBJC, Graves said that “opera is about humanity. It’s about life. It’s about what every human being experiences on the planet earth, all of the emotions, all of the experiences that each one of us has. When we see that, we recognize that we are more alike than unalike.”

Tickets are $60, $40 for balcony seating. There is a $5 discount for members and a $2 discount for seniors and veterans. Cotuit Center for the Arts is at 4404 Route 28 in Cotuit. For more information, visit artsonthecape.org or call 508-428-0669.

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What:

Mezzo-Soprano Denyce Graves in Concert

Where:

Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit

When:

Thursday, December 13, 7:30 PM

Admission:

$60, $40 for balcony seating. There is a $5 discount for members and a $2 discount for seniors and veterans.

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