Marian Anderson Vocal Award Recital: Justin Austin, baritone

• Justin Austin, baritone
• Howard Watkins, piano

This year's Marian Anderson Vocal Award winner, Justin Austin, is praised for his "mellifluous baritone" (The Wall Street Journal). The talented baritone has quickly gained a reputation for his compelling performances, with significant debuts on stages such as the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Los Angeles Opera, and more. In addition to his Marian Anderson Vocal Award performance, don't miss Justin in Romeo and Juliet in the 2023–2024 season!

This performance will feature renowned pianist Howard Watkins.

Named for the groundbreaking African American contralto, the Marian Anderson Vocal Award recognizes a young American singer in opera, oratorio, or recital repertory. Given annually by the Kennedy Center, the award offers a cash prize, a residency at Washington's Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and a recital presented by WNO. Prior recipients include Leah Hawkins, Frederick Ballentine, Will Liverman, Soloman Howard, Ryan Speedo Green, Denyce Graves, Eric Owens, Lawrence Brownlee, J’Nai Bridges, Janai Brugger, John Holiday, and many others

About Washington National Opera

https://www.kennedy-center.org/wno/home/

About Justin Austin, baritone

Justin Austin debuted at the Metropolitan Opera as Marcellus in Brett Dean's Hamlet, and sang the leading role of Charles Blow in Fire Shut Up In My Bones by Terrance Blanchard at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He is one of the rising stars of his generation.

About Howard Watkins, piano

https://www.juilliard.edu/music/faculty/watkins-howard