Diversitá Opera Arts Company
Bringing music education through diversity and unity.
Diversitá Opera Arts Company
Bringing music education through diversity and unity.
Diversitá Opera Arts Company Honors Black History Month
Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson was a trailblazing American contralto whose extraordinary talent and quiet strength helped break racial barriers in classical music. Despite facing discrimination, she achieved international acclaim in the 1920s and 1930s. After hearing her perform, famed conductor Arturo Toscanini reportedly said that her voice was “heard
Marian Anderson was a trailblazing American contralto whose extraordinary talent and quiet strength helped break racial barriers in classical music. Despite facing discrimination, she achieved international acclaim in the 1920s and 1930s. After hearing her perform, famed conductor Arturo Toscanini reportedly said that her voice was “heard once in a hundred years,” praising its rare beauty and power. In 1939, when she was denied the opportunity to sing at Constitution Hall because of her race, she instead performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before more than 75,000 people in a historic concert that became a landmark moment in the civil rights movement. In 1955, she became the first African American to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera, opening doors for future generations of Black artists.
Scott Joplin
Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson
Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist known as the “King of Ragtime.” He became famous for his syncopated piano pieces, especially Maple Leaf Rag, which helped popularize ragtime music and influence the development of jazz. As a Black composer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Joplin was especially important because h
Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist known as the “King of Ragtime.” He became famous for his syncopated piano pieces, especially Maple Leaf Rag, which helped popularize ragtime music and influence the development of jazz. As a Black composer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Joplin was especially important because he achieved national recognition at a time when racial discrimination limited opportunities for African American musicians. He worked to elevate ragtime from popular entertainment to a respected art form, showing that Black composers could create complex, classical-style works. In addition to his piano music, he wrote two operas: A Guest of Honor (1903), which has been lost, and Treemonisha (1911), a groundbreaking work about education and empowerment in a Black community. Today, Joplin is recognized as a pioneer who opened doors for future generations of African American composers.
Leontyne Price
Marian Anderson
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Leontyne Price is a trailblazing American soprano whose extraordinary talent and grace made her one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. Born in Laurel, Mississippi, in 1927, she rose to international fame during a time of deep racial segregation, breaking barriers for Black artists in classical music. In 1961, she be
Leontyne Price is a trailblazing American soprano whose extraordinary talent and grace made her one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. Born in Laurel, Mississippi, in 1927, she rose to international fame during a time of deep racial segregation, breaking barriers for Black artists in classical music. In 1961, she became the first Black soprano to receive a long-term contract with the Metropolitan Opera, where her powerful performances in roles such as Aida captivated audiences worldwide. Over her distinguished career, she earned multiple Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, cementing her legacy as a cultural icon. Leontyne Price’s achievements represent excellence, perseverance, and the profound impact of Black artistry on the global stage.
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges was a virtuoso violinist, composer, and conductor of the 18th century, often called the “Black Mozart.” Born in Guadeloupe to a French plantation owner and an African mother, he overcame racial barriers in Europe to become one of the most celebrated musicians of his time. His compositions include
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges was a virtuoso violinist, composer, and conductor of the 18th century, often called the “Black Mozart.” Born in Guadeloupe to a French plantation owner and an African mother, he overcame racial barriers in Europe to become one of the most celebrated musicians of his time. His compositions include violin concertos like Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Major, symphonies such as Symphony in G Major, and operas including L’Amant Anonyme and Ernestine. He also wrote numerous string quartets, chamber works, and sacred music. Beyond his musical genius, Saint-Georges was a skilled fencer and social pioneer, advocating for equality in a deeply divided society. His extraordinary talent and legacy as a Black composer earned him the nickname “Black Mozart” and continue to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.
Florence Price
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Robert McFerrin Sr.
Florence Price was a groundbreaking African American composer whose music reshaped classical music in the United States. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, she became the first Black woman to have a composition performed by a major American orchestra when her Symphony in E minor was played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933. Price blen
Florence Price was a groundbreaking African American composer whose music reshaped classical music in the United States. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, she became the first Black woman to have a composition performed by a major American orchestra when her Symphony in E minor was played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933. Price blended European classical traditions with African American spirituals, folk melodies, and rhythms, creating a uniquely American sound that celebrated Black culture and heritage. Despite facing systemic racial and gender barriers, she composed over 300 works—including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral pieces—that continue to inspire musicians and audiences today. Florence Price’s achievements highlight the brilliance, resilience, and cultural contributions of Black composers in shaping the classical music canon.
Robert McFerrin Sr.
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Robert McFerrin Sr.
Robert McFerrin Sr. was a groundbreaking African American baritone and the first Black man to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, making history in 1955 as Amonasro in Verdi’s Aida. Known for his rich, powerful voice and commanding stage presence, McFerrin opened doors for future generations of Black opera singers, including his son, the G
Robert McFerrin Sr. was a groundbreaking African American baritone and the first Black man to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, making history in 1955 as Amonasro in Verdi’s Aida. Known for his rich, powerful voice and commanding stage presence, McFerrin opened doors for future generations of Black opera singers, including his son, the Grammy-winning vocalist Bobby McFerrin. In the later part of his life, he devoted himself to teaching and mentoring young singers, sharing his expertise at institutions such as the University of Michigan, while continuing to perform in concerts, recitals, and recordings. McFerrin’s extraordinary artistry, resilience, and dedication to advancing opportunities for Black performers left a lasting impact on American classical music and cemented his place as a true pioneer.
Margaret Bonds
James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson
Margaret Bonds was a pioneering African American composer and pianist whose music celebrated Black culture and advanced the presence of Black artists in classical music. She was the first Black woman to have a composition performed by a major American orchestra and collaborated closely with poets like Langston Hughes, setting his poems to
Margaret Bonds was a pioneering African American composer and pianist whose music celebrated Black culture and advanced the presence of Black artists in classical music. She was the first Black woman to have a composition performed by a major American orchestra and collaborated closely with poets like Langston Hughes, setting his poems to music in memorable art songs such as The Negro Speaks of Rivers and Troubled Water. Bonds also composed significant piano works like Troubled Water and Sorrow Song, as well as choral pieces and arrangements of spirituals including Troubled Water and Shenandoah. She blended classical techniques with spirituals, blues, and African American folk traditions, creating works that highlighted the richness of Black heritage. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to teaching and mentoring young musicians, ensuring that the next generation of Black artists would have opportunities in a field historically dominated by white composers. Margaret Bonds’ contributions were instrumental in shaping American classical music and asserting the cultural and artistic achievements of African Americans in history.
James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson was a pioneering African American songwriter, poet, and composer whose music became a lasting symbol of Black pride and resilience. He is best known for co-writing the lyrics to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” set to music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson, celebrated as the Black national anthem. In addition, he wrote
James Weldon Johnson was a pioneering African American songwriter, poet, and composer whose music became a lasting symbol of Black pride and resilience. He is best known for co-writing the lyrics to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” set to music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson, celebrated as the Black national anthem. In addition, he wrote and contributed to other notable songs such as Tell Me, Darkies, Dem Bones, and The Creation, blending African American spirituals, folk traditions, and classical influences. Through these works, Johnson used music as a tool for cultural affirmation and social advocacy, uplifting African American communities and celebrating Black identity. His contributions during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond solidified his legacy as a key figure in both music and the broader struggle for racial equality.
Jessye Norman
James Weldon Johnson
Jessye Norman
Jessy Norman was a trailblazing African American soprano and one of the first Black women to perform leading roles at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and London’s Royal Opera Hfirst Black woman to sing the title role in Strauss’s Elektra at the Metropolitan Opera, breaki
Jessy Norman was a trailblazing African American soprano and one of the first Black women to perform leading roles at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and London’s Royal Opera Hfirst Black woman to sing the title role in Strauss’s Elektra at the Metropolitan Opera, breaking a major racial barrier in classical music. Renowned for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, she also championed works by Black composers and spirituals, elevating African American musical heritage worldwide. Her career inspired countless artists and solidified her legacy as a symbol of excellence, courage, and cultural pride in Black history.
Hall Johnson
Hall Johnson
Jessye Norman
Hall Johnson was a pioneering African American composer, arranger, and conductor whose work preserved and celebrated Black musical traditions. He is best known for his folk opera Run, Little Chillun, which premiered on Broadway in 1933 and blended classical techniques with African American spirituals and folk themes. Johnson founded the H
Hall Johnson was a pioneering African American composer, arranger, and conductor whose work preserved and celebrated Black musical traditions. He is best known for his folk opera Run, Little Chillun, which premiered on Broadway in 1933 and blended classical techniques with African American spirituals and folk themes. Johnson founded the Hall Johnson Choir, which toured nationally and internationally and appeared in films, most notably the Disney movie Song of the South, Cabin in the Sky, and Stormy Weather, performing spirituals that introduced Black choral music to wider audiences. Through his arrangements, compositions, and performances, Johnson elevated the spiritual as an art form and played a vital role in promoting African American musical heritage in both classical and popular culture.
Diversitá Opera Premiere: Cracked Mirror
Debut: 2026
The saga, gas lighting, and comedy wrapped in one opera!
Music Education Opportunities
Unity Honors Choir
Christmas Concert Gala
Christmas Concert Gala
🎶 YOUTH CHOIR AUDITIONS FOR HOMESCHOOL AND ONLINE LEARNERS NOW OPEN! 🎶
Do you love singing? Are you ready to grow as a performer, meet other talented youth, and join a diverse music community? We are now accepting auditions for our Youth Choir Program for online, homeschooled, and hybrid education students.
✨ About the Choirs
A program designed for students who are passionate about singing and learning culturally diverse music. Students will be trained in proper vocal technique, harmony, and ensemble singing. Performance opportunities include both Christmas and Spring concerts.
- Unity Elementary Honors Choir: Grades 2–5
- Unity Junior Honors Choir: Grades 6–8
🎤 Audition Information
- No preparation required. Singers do not need to bring a song.
- An audition facilitator will provide instructions during the audition.
- Each student will also participate in a short interview (in-person or online).
📍 In-Person Auditions
Location: South Dallas Cultural Center – Black Box Theater
Address: 3400 S Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75210
👉 To reserve your audition time, email:
📧 executivedirector@diversitaopera.org
📧 diversitaopera@gmail.com
💻 Online Auditions
Students may also audition via Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime.
For additional questions, please email:
📧 executivedirector@diversitaopera.org
📧 diversitaopera@gmail.com
Christmas Concert Gala
Christmas Concert Gala
Christmas Concert Gala
Enjoy a multicultural Christmas concert of classical, traditional, and gospel selections! Donations accepted! Proceeds go towards our Music Education Program.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
3400 S Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75210