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DGF is focused on the intersection of social justice, American history, and the arts. Deeply inspired by the achievements of America’s hidden musical figures, the foundation is invested in doing research and educating the public about their remarkable stories of courage and persistence. From enriching our musical heritage to preparing the diverse pool of tomorrow’s vocal stars, DGF will positively impact how artists are valued in this nation, encouraging inclusive opportunity, access, and advocacy for the next generation.
OUR PURPOSE AND VISION
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JUNE 20, 2025
7:30 PM EST
National Presbyterian Church
Ode to Freedom, Ode to Joy
Ode to Freedom, Ode to Joy is a powerful concert that intertwines the timeless message of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with the spirit of Black empowerment and joy. Performed by New Orchestra of Washington, Washington Douglass Chorale and soloists from Denyce Graves Foundation, this program breathes new life into Beethoven’s iconic work, resonating deeply with the themes of freedom and unity.
JUNE 22, 2025
3:00 PM EST
St. John Baptist Church
A Juneteenth Concert
The Howard County Center of African American Culture & DGF present A Juneteenth Concert, celebrating African American Composers and Performers. Dinner Reception by HCA Catering. Entertainment by Grammy-winning percussionist Moziah Saleem.
EVENTS
HIDDEN VOICES SPOTLIGHT
Jester Hairston's
Jester Hairston’s career encompassed an impressive range of art forms, from radio and stage to film and choral conducting. Born in North Carolina and raised in Homestead, PA, this distant relative of Mary Cardwell Dawson first studied landscape architecture in Boston but received assistance to study voice and attend Tufts University, becoming one of the first Black graduates of that institution. He later studied at Juilliard and was and was a member of the Hall Johnson Choir. When the choir traveled to Los Angeles to record for the film Green Pastures, the composer Dmitri Tomkin invited him to work on movie scores; this began a 30-year collaboration. Most of his work consisted of composing, arrange, and conducting; he also appeared in minor roles in more than 20 films, including St. Louis Blues, To Jill a Mockingbird, In the Heat of the Night, and The Alamo. His most recognized contribution was the song “Amen” performed in the film Lilies of the Field. He served as a US Goodwill Ambassador, performing spirituals across the globe. He organized choral festivals for high schools and colleges, promoting the performance of spirituals across the country. He composed or arranged more than 300 spirituals during his lifetime.
OUR STORY
DGF is rooted in the belief that now is the time to increase our nation’s commitment to its artists, both past and present—for America’s future and for the whole world. In paying homage to the achievements of so many who have gone before while serving the real needs of today’s emerging artist singers, The Denyce Graves Foundation is giving back and paying it forward at the same time.
OUR MUSIC CONSERVATORY PARTNERS
The Denyce Graves Foundation is proud to partner with the following Music Conservatories for the 2022 - 2023 Shared Voices program. Click on each institution's logo to learn more.
1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste. 500
Washington, DC 20036
1325 Avenue of the Americas, 28th Floor
NYC, NY 10019
917-821-3437
Our Federal tax ID is 86-2276658.
The Denyce Graves Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
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IN THE NEWS
OPERA America Announces 2025 Opera Hall of Fame Inductees
OPERA America is pleased to announce the induction of nine exemplary artists, administrators, and advocates to the Opera Hall of Fame as the class of 2025.
Established on the occasion of OPERA America’s 50th anniversary in 2020 to help celebrate the progress of the industry, the Opera Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of outstanding Americans and Canadians who have strengthened the art form and the field. The 2025 inductees join a distinguished roster of honorees who are recognized prominently in OPERA America’s National Opera Center.
Denyce Graves-Montgomery to Receive Service to America Leadership Award
World-renowned opera star Denyce Graves-Montgomery will receive the 2025 Service to America Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to supporting the next generation of vocal artists and musicians. The award will be presented during the Celebration of Service to America Awards ceremony on June 10, 2025, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
Creating a backstory: Francesca Zambello & Denyce Graves on bringing a fictional character to life
In advance of Washington National Opera’s May 2025 performances of Porgy and Bess, Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves explore the behind-the-scenes research and thinking that goes into creating a backstory for a character.
Pictured above is Denyce Graves, in the REACH at the Kennedy Center, with Dr. Karen M. Bryan, coauthor of Blackness in Opera. Under the auspices of the Denyce Graves Foundation, Dr. Bryan is preparing a historical exhibition of women who have performed key roles in various productions of Porgy and Bess, which will be on display outside the Opera House during WNO’s May performances of the Gershwin classic.
OUR HBCU PARTNERS
The Denyce Graves Foundation is proud to partner with the following Historically Black Colleges and Universities for the 2022 - 2023 Shared Voices program. Click on each institution's logo to learn more.
