World-renowned Kansas-born opera luminary Joyce DiDonato has been elected as a member of Carnegie Hall’s board of trustees, in a move that follows her hugely successful Perspectives residency there earlier this season.
Her election was confirmed at a meeting on 28 April, and establishes DiDonato as a trustee of the prestigious New York venue – a status she shares with a number of equally illustrious artists including Emanuel Ax, Renée Fleming, Marilyn Horne, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra McDonald and Jessye Norman.
Of the appointment, DiDonato said: ‘Joining an organisation that so gloriously exalts music, harmony and peace not only in New York City, but around the globe, is precisely where I want to be. I’m particularly motivated to lend any help I can to the Weill Music Institute, which I think is truly leading the way for communities around the globe to use the music and the arts to heal and to uplift every member of their community.’
Part of the singer’s recent Perspectives residency at Carnegie Hall included her participation in the Weill Music Institute’s Lullaby Project, a programme that engages young mothers from local shelters and prisons in songwriting workshops, as well as leading a highly anticipated set of public master classes for young singers.
DiDonato’s star has continued to rise and rise in recent years – her solo recording Diva Divo scooped the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo, following which she performed high-profile concerts and recitals in Berlin, Vienna, Milan, Toulouse, Mexico City, as well as completing an acclaimed tour of South America. She also made a guest appearance at the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, and this season holds residencies at both Carnegie Hall and London’s Barbican Centre.
Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s executive and artistic director, added: ‘Coming off a highly successful Perspectives series this past season, including wonderful performances and in-depth engagement with Carnegie Hall’s music education programs, we’re excited to continue our work with [Joyce] in this meaningful way. Her experience as a leading international artist and her keen insights into music, education, and service to audiences make her a great asset.’