news-category: Performing Arts

Soprano Indra Thomas Presents Next Concert & Masterclass at Gardner-Webb

Known on the Opera Stage and the Film Screen, Singer will Motivate and Inspire

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A successful vocalist on the stage and in film, Indra Thomas, will be the next guest in the Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artist Series. Before giving her concert on April 4, at 7 p.m. Thomas will lead a soprano vocal masterclass that morning from 9:25 to 10 a.m. Both programs will be held in Dover Chapel.

Admission to the evening concert is $10 at the door, cash or check accepted.

Chair of the Department of Music Dr. Aaron Rice noted that Thomas offers the very best of the profession: beautiful singing, compelling musicianship, invested acting, and a genuinely warm personality. “Indra’s recital will leave you encouraged and inspired,” he described. “Her teaching is sure to compel our students to be their best selves, motivated to be the music and touch the world. I am so thankful that our students will have the opportunity to engage with Indra in a symposium where she expounds on her story as a professional singer, dispensing priceless wisdom for young professionals.”

Rice continued, “We are thankful for the continued support of donors and the Gardner-Webb administration who continue to bring Distinguished Artists to our campus for the enjoyment and development of our campus and community.”

Known for her lush and warm voice, Thomas has performed at many of the world class opera houses and venues, such as the Metropolitan Opera and the Vienna State Opera. She has performed at prominent venues here in the United States, France, Germany, Spain and England, including the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall. Among numerous top orchestras with which she has appeared are the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony and Leipzig’s Gewandhaus Orchestra — as well as leading orchestras in Paris, Spain, Brazil, the Netherlands, Japan, Finland, South Korea, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, Boston, Cleveland and Detroit.

Her movie credits are “The Upside” and the Academy Award-winning film “Driving Miss Daisy.” She was Emmy nominated for her performance of the “Porgy and Bess Suite” on the New Year’s Eve Broadcast Live from Lincoln Center. Thomas was Grammy nominated for her recording of Michael Tippett’s “A Child of Our Time” with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Thomas is a recipient of the Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award. Her music can be found on any of the streaming platforms. She is a native of Atlanta, Ga., and has a Bachelor of Music from Shorter College and an Artistic Diploma from the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. She serves as Artist in Residence in Voice at Berry College in Rome, Ga.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.

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