Sigma Alpha Iota

Winter 2021 4 P A N P I P E S MUSIC NOTES Dr. Christine Jobson, an initiate of the Delta Omega Chapter at the University of Kentucky, released a new children's book in September, Lily's First Trip to the Opera. From the description, Lily thinks that the opera is boring but her mother takes her on an adventure that she'll never forget: a trip to the opera! When asked about what led her to write this book, Dr. Jobson shared, "I decided to write Lily's First Trip to the Opera because representation matters. I wanted little black girls and boys to know that there is space for them in the world of opera, and that there are no limits to what they can become." A soprano who has performed around the world and throughout the United States, Dr. Jobson's operatic roles have included the title role in Massenet's Cendrillon, Musetta in La Bohème, Celie in Signor Deluso, and Annie and Bess in Porgy and Bess. Dr. Jobson made her Russian debut at the Music Hall eater in St. Petersburg, Russia, in Gershwin's Porgy and Bess Suite. Her debut with the South Florida Youth Orchestra of Heart on the Wall by Robert Owen was received with great acclaim. Dr. Jobson's work in the development of new opera includes a workshop of Beyond by Mary Ellen Childs, in a collaboration with Frost Opera eater at the University of Miami, Opera America, and the Duffy Institute for New Opera. Dr. Jobson recently completed a doctoral degree in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, with a dissertation on the life and legacy of composer Florence Price. Her focus is on the preservation and dissemination of vocal music by African American composers, including Negro spirituals, anthems, art song, gospel, and hymns. She was awarded the 2017–2018 Presser Foundation Graduate Music Award, given annually at the University of Miami to support research and development. In summer 2018, Dr. Jobson presented an African American art song recital at the University of Miami at Salzburg, Austria Kammermusik Konzerte series, in addition to being a winner in the Salzburg Mirabell Competition. In May 2019, Dr. Jobson won first place in the pre- professional category of the prestigious George Shirley Vocal Competition. Dr. Jobson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Oakwood University and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Kentucky. Further studies took place at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. Academic and teaching positions include Miami Union Academy, Barry University, and Florida Memorial University, and the Frost School of Music and the Department of eatre Arts at the University of Miami. She is currently working as an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University and maintains a private studio. Recent engagements include recitals featuring the opera music of Anthony Davis and performances of African American art song, including those by Florence Price. Dr. Jobson's recordings include By Faith, a collection of hymns and Negro spirituals with pianist, Dr. Wayne Bucknor and Nearly Lost: Art Songs by Florence Price with pianist, Dr. Gregory ompson. Nearly Lost was recently named one of Opera Wire's 10 essential recordings of Black composers. Recently, Dr. Jobson sang in the chorus at the Metropolitan Opera for their highly acclaimed production of Porgy and Bess. Delta Omega Initiate Releases New Children's Book P A N P I P E S Author, soprano, and recording artist Author, soprano, and recording artist Dr. Christine Jobson Dr. Christine Jobson Listen and Learn more at: www.christinejobson.com

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