Opera Superstar Denyce Graves to Sing at Commonwealth Youthchoirs Concert

PHILADELPHIA--(Business Wire)--
Commonwealth Youthchoirs has announced that Denyce Graves, recognized worldwide
as one of today`s most exciting vocal stars, will appear as guest star at its
Annual Gala Concert at the Kimmel Center on June 16, 2009.

Denyce Graves is particularly well-known to opera audiences for her portrayals
of the title roles in Carmen and Samson et Dalila. She has performed these
signature roles with the world`s most venerable opera companies, including the
Metropolitan Opera, Vienna Staatsoper, Covent Garden, Opéra National de Paris,
Lyric Opera of Chicago, Arena di Verona, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro Real in
Madrid, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and the Festival Maggio Musicale in
Florence.

Described by USA Today as "an operatic superstar of the 21st century," Denyce
Graves has achieved unparalleled popular and critical acclaim for performances
on four continents. The combination of her expressive, rich vocalism, elegant
stage presence, and exciting theatrical abilities allows her to pursue a wide
breadth of operatic portrayals as well as to delight audiences in concert and
recital appearances.

In announcing Ms. Graves` appearance, Commonwealth Youthchoirs Executive
Director Susan S. Ashbaker said, "We are delighted that our choirs will have the
opportunity to join in a performance with the magnificent Denyce Graves. She is
an incredible role model for our young singers, and we look forward to a
spectacular event this June, certain to be memorable for singers and audience
alike."

During the past season, the artist won critical acclaim as Baba the Turk in a
Robert Lepage production of The Rake`s Progress at San Francisco Opera, made her
Hong Kong debut as Charlotte in Werther at Hong Kong Opera, and appeared in the
title role of Carmen with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl.
She also traveled internationally making extensive tours of concerts, recitals
and master classes.

The June 16 Gala Concert at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the
Performing Arts marks the fifth such performance for Commonwealth Youthchoirs.
Now in its eighth year, the organization provides music education and
performance opportunities for nearly 300 young singers, aged seven through high
school, representing the greater Philadelphia area, New Jersey and Delaware, who
sing with one of its two member-choirs, Keystone State Boychoir
(www.paboychoir.org) and Pennsylvania Girlchoir (www.pagirlchoir.org).

Commonwealth Youthchoirs
Angela Wende, 267-265-3165
marketing@cychoirs.org

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