Opera and The Black American Experience II
By LC Vaughn Sankofa Memorial Arts Fund
This dynamic 90-minute presentation explores the profound yet often overlooked role of Black Americans in shaping the history of opera in the United States. Through historical storytelling, live musical examples, audience engagement, and a 40-minute masterclass, participants discover how Black artists not only broke barriers within opera but also built institutions, cultivated communities, and transformed the art form itself.
Friday, July 31, 11:15am – 1:15pm
Gwendolyn Williams Theatre, Benton Convention Center
Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano, and Winston-Salem native, Tichina Vaughn is internationally acclaimed for her rich voice and commanding stage presence, appearing at leading houses including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and Royal Opera House. A major force in Europe, she spent over two decades in Germany as a principal artist with the Stuttgart State Opera—earning the title Kammersängerin—and as an ensemble member at Semperoper Dresden. A former Lindemann Young Artist, she returns to the Met in 2025–26 and debuts with Washington National Opera. An accomplished concert soloist and educator, she serves on the faculty at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
Pianist
Dr. Alfonza Williamson serves as an Associate Professor of General Dentistry at the Workman School of Dental Medicine, where he is committed to delivering high-quality clinical care while supporting the education and development of future dental professionals. An accomplished pianist and accompanist, Dr. Williamson began studying piano in the fifth grade with Dr. Charles Bath, chair of the music department at East Carolina University. His talent earned him a scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina School of the Arts from the 11th grade through college, and he later received a Bachelor of Music Education in piano performance from Winston-Salem State University before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Howard University. For the past 35 years, Dr. Williamson has also served as coordinator of music and organist at First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, Highland Avenue.