A Celebration of Denyce Graves

After years of orbiting each other in the world of music, mezzo soprano Denyce Graves and I ended up meeting IRL thanks to Classical California’s President, James Muhammad, who decided that we just had to know each other. He was absolutely right. Beginning with a 3-hour lunch in New York City two years ago, we’ve developed a dear friendship based on shared artistic vision and mission, and a mutual belief in the power of the arts to change this world for the better, every single day in every way.

Denyce joined me in San Francisco last year for one of our live KDFC Sky Concerts - a magical evening of music and conversation. She shared stories of her remarkable career, and the people she’s met along the way, from the legendary American contralto Marian Anderson (who gave her a dress from her personal collection!!!) to a well-meaning fan who told her to “break a leg” - which she promptly did. There was laughter and deep reflection that evening, and I’m so happy to share some of our conversation with you in this special tribute to Denyce, as she takes her final bows from the Metropolitan Opera stage, retiring from her career as one of the greatest opera stars of our time to focus on a next chapter as a stage director and an ambassador and advocate for the future of the art via the work of the Denyce Graves Foundation.

I hope you enjoy this broadcast, and please join me in heartfelt appreciation for Denyce Graves - the voice, the vision, and the legacy she continues to build for the future of classical music.