LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A group of 13 former students of Donn Everette Graham, a professor of voice at the University of Louisville School of Music, will help celebrate Graham’s 31 year career and upcoming retirement with a free, public performance May 1.
The alumni will come to Louisville from areas across the U.S. to perform in a “Retirement Celebration” recital beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Margaret Comstock Concert Hall, School of Music, Belknap Campus.
Among the students returning to perform are Chris Burchett, a baritone with the New York City Opera; Marilyn Taylor, chair of voice at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts; Hallie Hogan, assistant professor of music and Italian Opera at Elon University in North Carolina; Tim King, voice instructor at the University of North Alabama and other leaders active in the local arts community.
“Donn has had enormous influence in the musical lives and careers of hundreds of voice students while at UofL,” said School of Music dean Christopher Doane. “He was the first recipient of the Moritz Bomhard endowed chair for director of Opera Theater and has received critical acclaim as a leading lyric-Italian baritone with operas around the world in addition to roles over many seasons with the Kentucky Opera.”
Graham is retiring at the end of May. In addition to teaching, Graham was active in the arts community and directed a community lecture series, “The Lively Art of Opera,” for 15 seasons featuring the seasonal productions of Kentucky Opera.
To honor Graham, UofL is creating the Donn Everette Graham Voice Scholarship and will accept donations for the scholarship at the concert. Donations may also be made by contacting School of Music representative Tedi Vaughan at 502-852-0516.