Jessye Norman Shares Insights on a Creative Life

Celebrated American vocalist Jessye Norman touches on the varied ways we participate in artistic experiences. (Photo by Scott Cook)

“We are gathered together as one diverse family to think, celebrate, and reminisce about some of the ways the arts enlighten and strengthen us. Art brings us together as a family because it is an individual expression of universal experience.”

Professor Emeritus Edmund LeRoy discusses with Norman why she sings a variety of styles and vocal ranges. (Photo by Scott Cook)

“I’ve said one clever thing in my life. During my first interview, when I was 23, the reporter asked what kind of soprano am I. I replied that pigeonholes are only comfortable to pigeons.”

Members of the Rollins community meet and greet with Norman following her presentation. (Photo by Scott Cook)

“Art makes each of us whole by insisting that we use all of our senses—our head and our hearts; that we express with our bodies as well as our minds. Art is your soul’s music—the art of your spirit.”

Norman (center) meets with Rollins music students in a private presentation at President Lewis Duncan’s residence. (Photo by Scott Cook)

“Allow the love of art to inspire love of fellow human beings. Imagine the harmony art could bring to our world.”

“Don’t allow yourselves to be limited. Allow your voice to develop, and it will show you what is comfortable and right. Decide there are no limits.”