Simon Estes is living his dream, and helping many young talented African-American musicians and children around the world realize their own.
The internationally acclaimed bass-baritone, who has appeared at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, will perform 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19 at the Mendelssohn Theatre, located inside the Michigan League on central campus.
The grandson of a slave, Estes, 70, has had a lasting impact beyond the stage. For many years, he has been known beyond the opera world for his generous donations and humanitarian efforts.
The Simon Estes Educational Foundation based in Tulsa, Oklahoma has awarded more than $1 million in merit-based scholarships to students attending Juilliard School of Music in New York City.
Children in Switzerland and Bulgaria have received much-needed health care through the Simon Estes International Foundation for Children. Students from one of the poorest regions of South Africa attended Des Moines-area high schools in 1998-99 as part of the Simon Estes South African Youth Chorus.
A distinguished professor and artist-in-residence at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, Estes is among the growing community of activists and artists pushing for broader awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention, education and research into finding a cure for the disease.
Throughout his illustrious operatic career, Estes has received glowing reviews and paved a path for upcoming generations.
In 1978 he was the first male African-American singer to sing a major role on the stage during the Bayreuth Festival in Germany. The festival presents operas by 19th-century German composer Richard Wagner.
Many critics consider Estes’ role as Porgy in the Metropolitan Opera’s 1985 production of “Porgy and Bess” as a landmark performance. His role alongside the legendary Leontyne Price as Aida in her farewell performance is considered one of Estes’ greatest onstage moments.
Perhaps as improbable as his success might have been to his grandfather, sold at auction for $500, Estes performs at Mendelssohn Theatre a day before what many African Americans of his generation probably thought highly unlikely during their lifetime — the swearing in of the first black American president.
