Vocal Recital & Presentation – Dr. Erica Vernice Simmons
Sunday, Feb 11 at Noon
Following the 10:30am Church Service in the Parish Hall
Everyone is invited to the Parish Hall for light refreshments immediately following the service. Hear Dr. Erica Vernice Simmons, lyric soprano, perform and give an insightful perspective as a Black musician. Dr. Simmons is an Adjunct Professor of Voice and Lecturer at Tarrant County College Northeast Campus. She recently earned her doctoral degree from the University of North Texas. Most recently, Professor Simmons presented a Black Heritage Recital featuring classical compositions by black composers atthe Texoma Artist Series Conference for the National Associationof the Teachers of Singing (NATS). She has performed as asoloist in a virtual concert of His Light Still Shines and in the Porgy and Bess opera with Fort Worth Opera. Shewas a first place winner in the Memphis Beethoven Club 2017 Young Artists Competition and a competition winner in the 2016 Mid-South Regional NATS competition.
She has attended the CCM Spoleto Festival in Spoleto, Italy and the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. She’s been featured as a soloist with the Memphis Symphony Chorus. Past roles include the Countess (Le Nozze di Figaro), Mrs. Peachum (The Beggar’s Opera), Suzel (L’amico Fritz), and the title role, Josephine Baker (Josephine) in a newly composed opera by renown composer Tom Cipullo.
Students of Dr. Simmons have gone on to receive vocal scholarships at several distinguished universities and superior ratings in solo and ensemble. Her upcoming 2021 roles include: Soloist in Fort Worth Opera’s Concert, Sounds of Summertime, Lily in the world premiere of ‘A Lily Among Thorns’ in The Winspear Opera House with Das Blümlein Project, and Charlaine in ‘Aint Misbehavin’ with the National Association of Negro Musicians.
