HSA Pays Tribute to Betty Allen at the Schomburg in Partnership with NYC Opera

HSA has been invited to pay tribute to its legendary leader, President Emeritus Betty Allen, Monday, February 28 at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Ms. Allen acted as Director of the Harlem School of the Arts from 1979 through 1992, and also served on the boards of numerous arts organizations including City Opera.

The special program presented by New York City Opera will showcase the dynamic career of Ms. Allen, and feature performances by City Opera artists and exceptional HSA students. The tribute will be moderated by WQXR Host Nimet Habachy, and will include historical sound clips, film and musical selections from our very own archives. Our new CEO, Yvette L. Campbell, will also be on hand to pay tribute to Ms. Allen.

Beginning her artistic career in an era when Black opera singers were not allowed to perform in major venues, Ms. Allen played an integral role in breaking down the barriers of racial discrimination in opera. She made her City Opera debut in 1954 as Queenie in Show Boat, and went on to perform several roles at City Opera including Treemonisha, as well as major opera companies and concert halls around the globe, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Teatro Colon. In June, Treemonisha will be restaged at New York City Opera and HSA Prep students will have the opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal and go backstage in April 2011.

Join us as we pay tribute to Betty Allen:
Monday, February 28, 7 PM
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Boulevard (at 135th Street)

Tickets: $10
Call CenterCharge at 212.721.6500 or nycOpera.com