USD Hosts Critically Acclaimed Soprano Louise Toppin
Co-sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Community, the Union of African American Students, the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Department of Music, Toppin and USD pianist Susan Keith Gray will perform “Songs of the African Diaspora” Friday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m in Colton Recital Hall in the Warren E. Lee Center for Fine Arts. The event is free and open to the public.
“Louise Toppin has worked endlessly as an entrepreneur, producer, teacher, singer and more to promote the art music of African-American composers,” said Gray. “She is a leading expert, through her knowledge of the composers and the art form. Furthermore, she is heralded for her amazing artistry as a singer in presenting this important story.”
On Thursday, April 6, Toppin will deliver a lecture titled “Music of African-American Composers” as part of USD’s recital lab series at 11 a.m. At 10 a.m., she will work with USD voice students in a masterclass.
Toppin’s performances include opera, art song and orchestral performances internationally. She was selected to perform for the 150th celebration of the ratification of the 13th amendment for Congress and President Obama at the U.S. Capitol in 2015. She serves on several boards including the North Carolina Arts Council, the National Association of Negro Musicians and she is the Director of the non-profit organization, Videmus.
