Black Opera

A documentary film celebrating the breakout careers of the first generation of African-American opera superstars. Leontyne Price Simon Estes Grace Bumbry Martina Arroyo George Shirley Jessye Norman In the middle of the twentieth century, these six African-American opera singers, all born and bred in America, sang leading roles on the world's most important opera stages. They were hailed as stars in Milan, Bayreuth, Vienna, St. Petersburg, London, Berlin, Paris - and eventually, New York. Their talent and artistry broke through the classical color line that had been a barrier to a classical career, and today still hinders many black artists in America. This documentary is the now-or-never opportunity to celebrate the career achievements and personal journeys of this first generation of African-American opera legends while they are still living and able to appear on camera.