Tenor John Wesley Wright Performs February 7-11
SALISBURY, MD---Award-winning operatic tenor John Wesley Wright hosts several workshops and performances as an artist-in-residence at Salisbury University Sunday-Saturday, February 5-11. His appearance is part of Salisbury University’s African-American History Month celebration.
Tuesday, February 7, at 12:30 p.m. in Fulton Hall Room 112, vocalists learn from the trained singer during a vocal master class.
Wednesday, Feburary 8, Wright presents “Singing in the African-American Tradition” 7:30 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium.
Thursday, February 9, he performs a public rehearsal of Russ Podgorsek’s Songs for Tenor and Cello at 12:30 p.m. in Fulton Hall Room 112.
Saturday, February 11, his residency at SU culminates with a performance with the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra during the orchestra’s annual Mid-Winter Concert at 8 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium.
During the concert, Wright sings selections ranging from Handel arias to African-American spirituals.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with such a fine artist as John Wright and we are happy that he is able to share his talents not only with the University, but with the community, as well,” said Dr. Jeffrey Schoyen, SSO conductor.
Currently, Wright is artist-in-residence, vocal instructor and co-director of the opera workshop at the University of Dayton in Ohio. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including prizes from the International MacAllister Awards and the Metropolitan Opera Auditions, and the National Federation of Music Clubs. In March 2000 legendary singer William Warfield presented him with the gold medal first prize at the American Traditions Competition in Savannah, GA, which includes a $10,000 award. He enjoys recital and oratorio work and has performed abroad including a televised concert for the Belgian Royal Family at the Royal Palace of Belgium.
Wright is in his third year as vocal consultant and instructor for the Music Arts Center in Cincinnati. He holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music from Maryville College.
All events except the SSO concert are free and the public is invited. SSO concert rates are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $5 for children 12 and under and SU ID holders. A family ticket package, admitting two adults and two children, is available for $45. For advance tickets call the SU Box Office at 410-543-6228 or visit the SU Bookstore Web site at www.salisbury.collegestoreonline.com (click “SU Box Office”).
The Department of Music sponsors Wright’s residency. For more information call 410-548-5587 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu. "