Touring during Black History Month, this season’s Black Roots of Opera focuses on the career of the American baritone Robert McFerrin, Sr. Born in Marianna, Arkansas, Mr. McFerrin went to school in Memphis until moving to St. Louis in high school.  After graduating from the Chicago Musical College, he moved to New York, and his career began to prosper performing on Broadway, at the Tanglewood Music Festival, and at the New York City Opera.  He was the first African-American man to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.  He was the father of Bobby McFerrin, a virtuoso Grammy Award winning vocalist and conductor.  The Black Roots of Opera program will be performed by baritone Michael Preacely and pianist Spencer Blank.

February 4 – March 1, 2013

$250 per performance ($200 each additional)

Grades K – adults

45 minutes

For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Director of Education and Outreach, at (901) 202-4548

Michael Preacely