World-renowned opera singer to visit UW-Green Bay

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will welcome world-renowned opera singer Simon Estes to campus on March 4, 2011.

Estes, a bass-baritone, will offer a Master Class from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Fort Howard Hall in the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts. The event is free and open to the public.

Estes will also conduct an informal discussion for music students from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Life/American Intercultural Center, University Union, Suite 150. Estes will talk to the students about music and leadership.

A native of Iowa, Estes began his career at the University of Iowa where he was the first African-American member of the “Old Gold Singers.” He made his professional debut with the Deutsche Opera in Berlin in 1965. Since then, he has performed with the world’s leading opera companies and orchestras. Estes is one of the performers who helped break down racial barriers in the opera world.

Besides his performances, Estes also teaches music at Iowa State University and Wartburg College. Estes travels the world giving master classes and talks designed to teach not just music, but also artistic and personal values.

Estes was originally scheduled to visit campus on Feb. 25 but has rescheduled. The appearance is sponsored by the Office of the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Provost’s Office, the Office of Student Life, the American Intercultural Center, Music Educators National Conference – Green Bay chapter, American Choral Directors Association, the Music discipline and the Arts and Visual Design academic unit.

This the second time Estes has come to UW-Green Bay. The singer gave a Master Class on campus in 2004.

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