
OUR PURPOSE AND VISION
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NOVEMBER 3, 2025
7:00 PM EST
Terrace Theater
DGF & WNO PRESENT
HBCU Night
A night of celebrating black excellence in opera. Mingle with fellow HBCU’s at the pre-show reception and post-show meet and greet with Nicholas Newton, featuring special guest Denyce Graves. Tickets are FREE with registration, courtesy of DGF and Washington National Opera.
EVENTS


HIDDEN VOICES SPOTLIGHT
Theodore Charles Stone
Theodore Charles Stone (1912-1998) was a baritone who was known both for his performances and for his musical journalism. Born in Gainesville, Texas, he was orphaned as a child; he and his brothers and sisters were raised by his maternal grandmother. He took piano lessons in high school and graduated from San Houston College in Austin He moved to Chicago during the height of the Depression in search of opportunities to perform. He studied at Chicago Musical College (now Roosevelt College) and taught voice to support himself. He was the first African American to study at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, and toured throughout Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. U[on returning to the United States in 1939, he became a leading proponent for Scandinavian folk and art music. He also wrote his own press release; he then moved to writing columns and reviews for the Chicago Bee, the Chicago Defender, and the Pittsburgh Courier. During the 1940s he occasionally performed with the National Negro Opera Company. Mr. Stone was also active in professional organizations, serving as president of the National Association of Negro Musicians (1968-1975) and the Chicago Music Association (1954-1996). He was a member of the National Music Critics Association and director of the Music Arts Bureau. Away from music, he was known in Chicago as a designed and strong advocate for the fashion industry.

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.

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.
IN THE NEWS
New York Post: Overtures for Opera Boss
GODS of ballet, baseball, and opera turned out to honor high-culture machers inclusing opera director Francesca Zambello on Monday Night. In front of Mikhail Baryshnikov, Cal Ripkin Jr., and Andrea Bocell...The evening, the Denyce Graves Foundation's Harvest Moon Gala, held at Guastavino's in Sutton Place, was emceed by Deborah Roberts.
People Magazine: Andrea Bocelli and Wife Veronica Spark Bidding War Over Trip to His Hometown
The world-renowned Italian tenor, 67, and wife Veronica Berti Bocelli, 41, attended the Denyce Graves Foundation Harvest Moon Gala in New York on Oct. 6, emceed by Deborah Roberts. Bocelli was one of several honorees of the evening, performing selections from Puccini’s La Bohème.
Speaking to the crowd before he started to sing, Bocelli praised Graves, best known for her iconic role in the opera Carmen, as "really a great big friend of mine" and called their work together "an incredible experience that I keep place in my heart
Forbes: Andrea Bocelli To Perform When He’s Honored At Denyce Graves Foundation Harvest Moon Gala
As witnessed at the gala kickoff, DGF celebrates trailblazing musicians, music educators, and composers of color and is committed to genuine representation in American vocal arts by providing the opportunities, access, and exposure that all singers need to take ownership of their talent and navigate their own rewarding careers.

EDUCATING IS ACTIVISM:
SUPPORT DGF
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.
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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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