Soprano Norman to be honored at Hill recital

Three pictures of vocalist Jessye Norman hang on Janeece Freeman's wall. In one, the sophomore voice major shakes Norman's hand on the stage of the School of Music Recital Hall.

In another, Freeman beams as hugged by the legendary soprano.

PREVIEW
	Jessye Norman Saturday, April 26 at 6 p.m. Hill Auditorium Tickets: $15-150

"I felt very honored just to be able to speak with her," Freeman said last week of Norman, a University alumna who visited campus in September. After announcing a scholarship and masterclass series established in her name, Norman met with students to talk and answer questions. Freeman was there, and thrilled.

"She has this aura," Freeman said, "that almost seems supernatural."

A few blocks away, another picture of Jessye Norman hangs in a Burton Bell-tower office. It hung last week above the head of Kenneth Fischer, University Musical Society executive director, as he busily prepared for the great singer's upcoming arrival. Thumbing through the script of a filmed tribute, Fischer described the Ford Honors Program to be held Saturday in Norman's honor. The evening will include student performances, speeches, a gala reception and a recital by Norman. Proceeds raised will benefit the UMS Education Program.

"I was at (Norman's) home above New York and had a wonderful conversation with her about this event," Fischer said officially.

"We want her to enjoy it as much as I'm sure we will enjoy having her here."

Jessye Norman. Her phenomenal voice opened the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She sang at both of Clinton's presidential inaugurations. On the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution, her version of the Marseillaise rang worldwide. "It makes you want to, you know, rev up those missiles and run out and fight for France," the then-First Lady, Barbara Bush, is to have said, according to Philips Music.

But this weekend in Hill Auditorium, Norman's admirers will do some singing of their own. After an hour-long recital, friends and fans will sing her praises as Norman is presented with the UMS 1997 Distinguished Artist Award.

Norman was chosen to receive this award, said Fischer, because of her prominence and ties to Michigan. Norman, who has sung on nearly every leading stage in the world, has performed seven times under UMS auspices.

Highlights of her current season include recitals in Amsterdam, Cologne, London, Paris, Munich, Hamburg, Barcelona, Brussels, Vienna and Carnegie Hall.

To round out a busy schedule, Norman serves on the boards of many charitable organizations, including Citymeals-on-Wheels in New York City, the New York Botanical Garden and the Ms. Foundation. Norman is also the national spokesperson for the Partnership for the Homeless.

School of Music Associate Dean Willis Patterson was on the University's voice faculty when Norman earned her Master's degree at the University in 1969. In his North Campus office, Patterson recalled Norman's arrival to study with Pierre Bernac and Elizabeth Mannion.

"She was a very, very bright young lady," said Patterson. "Very determined and extremely talented."

Patterson and Norman have remained friends through the years, often collaborating. They worked together on three television broadcasts, and Patterson was a consultant in Norman's Carnegie Hall spiritual festival with soprano Kathleen Battle.

Knowing Norman personally increases Patterson's respect for her many talents.

"She is not only a fine musician and an excellent vocalist," Patterson said, "but she's an extremely articulate person - in several different languages."

Norman's weekend schedule does not allow for dinner plans at Patterson's home, where she is a regular guest. She is booked to appear at a gala dinner, for which some will pay $10,000 for a table of 12. At that, $15 for a student ticket to the recital and tribute seems a trifle. And Fischer hopes to bolster student attendance. Unlike last year, the presentation of this year's Distinguished Artist Award will take place before commencement.

Norman is already well-decorated. A Georgia native, Norman holds France's "Legion d'Honneur." Paris' National Museum of Natural History named an orchid after her. Norman holds no fewer than 28 honorary doctorates, including one from the University.

Co-chairs of Saturday's event include Nobel Prize-winner Toni Morrison and New York Philharmonic Conductor Kurt Masur, though neither will be present. Norman is only the second recipient of this UMS award, following pianist Van Cliburn.

This UMS event begins earlier than most with the recital starting at 6 p.m., and Norman's program will be announced.

Know her or not, odds are you've heard Jessye Norman. Saturday's a great opportunity to hear all about her - and to hear her again.

University alumna Jessye Norman will perform at Hill Auditorium on April 26.

04-21-97