Virginia Beach native and celebrated opera singer Will Liverman has received a nomination for the 2024 Grammy Awards. This nomination is in the Best Classical Compendium category for his album “The Dunbar/Moore Sessions Volume II.” This marks Liverman’s fifth Grammy nomination, adding to his impressive accolades that include a 2023 Grammy for Best Opera Recording for his performance in “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.”
Liverman’s latest album features the poetic works of Paul Laurence Dunbar and Alice Dunbar-Moore, renowned poets and activists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The album showcases a rich tapestry of musical influences, intertwining jazz, gospel, classical, and musical theater. “I just took it upon myself to seek out my favorite poems and find my favorite collaborators,” Liverman said. “I wrote these songs inspired by these poets, and also to explore my identity as a writer.”
From Local Choirs to National Stages
Liverman’s musical journey began in the Hampton Roads area, where he honed his talents as a member of choirs at New Hope Church of God in Christ in Norfolk and New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Virginia Beach. He attended Cox High School and the Governor’s School for the Arts before earning a master’s degree in music from Juilliard.
His professional career took off when he landed the lead role in Terence Blanchard’s opera “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” This groundbreaking work, based on the memoir of Charles Blow, chronicles the author’s experiences with childhood sexual abuse and was notable for being the first opera by a Black composer performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Liverman’s performance received widespread acclaim, further establishing him as a significant figure in the contemporary opera scene.
The Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 1, 2024, and Liverman’s latest efforts not only showcase his musical versatility but also pay homage to the rich literary heritage of African American poets.
Liverman’s album features collaborations with esteemed artists, including opera stars Isabel Leonard and Erin Morley, as well as Broadway performer Mykal Kilgore. Each contribution enriches the project, reflecting a shared commitment to honoring the voices of the past while pushing the boundaries of classical music.
As Liverman continues to break new ground, his journey from Virginia Beach to the pinnacle of the opera world inspires many aspiring musicians. His dedication to blending diverse musical styles with profound literary narratives not only highlights his talent but also emphasizes the importance of cultural storytelling in the arts.
