Soloman Howard to headline gala

Soloman Howard

Barihunk Soloman Howard, who we recently featured in a post about the Marian Anderson tribute, will be the featured artist at the "Phantom of the Opera" Gala of the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts. The July 26th event will honor music educator and choral director Joyce Garrett and actor Norm Lewis.

Norm Lewis recently became the first African American to portray 'The Phantom' in Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic production "Phantom of the Opera. Though the actor of the hit TV show Scandal is unable to attend in person, he is greeing the gala guests via video. Lewis will be honored with an award for his landmark accomplishment in absentia.

Joyce Garrett has been long associated with the famed Eastern High School Choir. She was honored by The Washington Chorus at the Embassy of France for her contributions to choral music and culture in Washington D.C. She has been the music director of many televised choral performances both nationally and overseas.

Soloman Howard, who has quickly captured the attention of the opera world, will be featured as the guest artist of the evening. A regular and favorite at the Washington National Opera, he has upcoming appearances in Verdi's La traviata at the Los Angeles Opera and in the composer's Aida at the Metropolitan Opera. 

The black-tie event begins at 6:30 PM at the Harmony Hall Regional Center John Addison Concert Hall in Fort Washington, MD. Tickets are available by calling.