Famed Mezzo-Soprano Jamie Barton Will Perform as Part of Baylor School of Music’s Distinguished Artist Series

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Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321

WACO, Texas (Oct. 8, 2015) – Baylor University’s School of Music will welcome mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton for its Distinguished Artist Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in Roxy Grove Hall.

“Jamie Barton is in the early stages of a monumental, international classical singing career,” said Randall Umstead, D.M.A., chair of the division of vocal studies in Baylor’s School of Music. “She won the 2015 Richard Tucker Award, often referred to as the ‘Heisman Trophy of Opera,’ as well as the 2013 Main and Song Prizes of the 2013 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition. She has already been a Grammy nominee, a winner of the 2007 Metropolitan Opera Grand Council National Auditions and comes to Baylor in the middle of a run of performances with the Metropolitan Opera in New York.”

As a recitalist, Barton has appeared with the Marilyn Horne Foundation at Weill Hall in California. She has performed with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the Wolf Trap Opera Company and the Aspen Chamber Symphony. She received extensive training as a recitalist at the Tanglewood Music Center, where she was a fellow in vocal studies.

Barton will perform music by composers Antonín Dvo'?ák, Franz Schubert, Ernest Chausson and Joaquín Turina.

“This recital presents an opportunity to hear one of the emerging stars of a generation, conveniently here on the Baylor campus,” Umstead said. “Ms. Barton has a charming personality and an ability to connect with an audience that distinguishes from her peers—hence her numerous awards. In an age where most live musical performance is amplified or pre-recorded, we believe it is important for people to hear the sound of a well-trained, unamplified human voice. Most people come away from such an encounter with a transformed perspective of singing. Ms. Barton will provide precisely that type of experience.”

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for senior citizens and Baylor students, faculty and staff. They may be purchased at the School of Music box office.

Roxy Grove Hall is located inside Waco Hall at 624 Speight Ave.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Baylor School of Music at 254-710-3571.

by Ashton Brown, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Our students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, the students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. The School of Music of Baylor University is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs leading to the bachelor of music education degree conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency.