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Today's Featured Biography
MICHAEL HOUSTON
Biography
Of
MichaelÀndré
Born Michael Andre Houston in Washington, DC, MichaelÀndré debuted at 9 years old in the DC Public School System under the tutelage of the late Mr. John Hall. He expanded his studies to church choirs under direction of “Ms. Roberta Flack”,
Ms Shirley Berkeley, Mr. Edward Jackson, and others. MichaelÀndré completed the required curriculum at DCPS, Montgomery College, The University of the District of Columbia, and continued his studies at The Catholic University of America.
MichaelAndre’s served and performed with the United States Army Europe & the Seventh Army Soldiers’ Chorus of Heidelberg, Germany traveling throughout Europe and was received by both Noble & general audiences of Germany, France, and Austria; and in Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, and Holland by general public of these countries, including NATO, US military officers, and enlisted personnel alike. He has performed under the batons of Nevilla Ottley, Gerald Mueller, Lionel Hampton, Stanley Thurston,
Claiborne Richardson, Ned Lewis,
Muriel Von Villas, John Edward Niles et al.
MichaelÀndré is a protégé of world-reknowned coloratura Charlotte Wesley Holloman, and is a former student of the late famed accompanist and operatic coach,
Sylvia Olden Lee, both of Howard University. The late Ms Lee having been the first African American hired at the Metropolitan Opera, as a vocal coach and accompanist, coached almost every known Artist of color at the Met, from
Todd Duncan,Leaontyne Price, to
William Warfield, Robert Mcferrin Sr., to Grace Bumbry, Kathleen Battle,
Jesseye Norman,George Shirley, and others such as: Jussi Björling, Kiri TeKanawa, and Marilyn Horne, to name a few. He has performed with The Annandale Symphony Orchestra, The Takoma Park Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra well. He performed during African-American History Month ’09, at the Washington Historical Society.
MichaelÀndré’s repertoire includes Oratorio, Cantatas, Operatic roles, American Art Songs, Italian Arias, German Lieder, French Chansons, Spanish Canciones, and the Negro Spiritual which along with creating the character of Orpheus in
Nancy Binns-Reed’s “The Blue Opera” he has received rave reviews from Arts critic emeritus Joseph McClellan, in various editions of the “Washington Post newspaper”. He has performed in recital for the Ambassador of Spain, the last inauguration of former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, and at the Inaugural Prayer Breakfast for former President of the US
William Jefferson Clinton. He was the Baritone soloist in the premier of “Nocturne III,” a contemporary work by Emory Waters again with the Annandale S.O., and was the featured soloist during week-long dedication ceremonies and festivities of the African-American Civil War Memorial. According Congresswoman (Delegate)Eleanor Holmes-Norton MichaelÀndré made history becoming the first person ever to perform in “Statuary Hall” of the United States Capitol Building for the same event.
Currently, MichaelÀndré is preparing repertoire for recording, future recitals, and will be performing the “Underground Railroad Concert Tour” - A Tribute to African American History Month.
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