Virginia Beach native and acclaimed opera singer Will Liverman has received his fifth Grammy nomination, this time in the Best Classical Compendium category. The nomination, announced this month, recognizes his album titled The Dunbar/Moore Sessions Volume II. Liverman previously won a Grammy in 2023 for Best Opera Recording as the lead in the groundbreaking opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones.
Liverman’s latest album features compositions inspired by the works of 19th and early 20th century poets and activists Paul Laurence Dunbar and Alice Dunbar-Moore. It combines elements from various musical styles, including jazz, gospel, classical, and musical theater. In his own words, Liverman created the album as a personal exploration: “I just took it upon myself to seek out my favorite poems and seek out my favorite collaborators. I wrote these songs just being inspired by these poets, and also to find out who I am, myself, as a writer.”
Musical Journey and Collaborations
The album features an array of talented artists, including renowned opera stars like Isabel Leonard and Erin Morley, as well as Broadway performer Mykal Kilgore. Liverman’s journey to this point has roots in his early musical experiences in the Hampton Roads area. He was an active member of choir groups at New Hope Church of God in Christ in Norfolk and New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Virginia Beach.
Liverman attended Cox High School and the Governor’s School for the Arts, where he honed his craft before pursuing a master’s degree in music from Juilliard. His professional career took off in 2020 when he successfully auditioned for the title role in Terence Blanchard’s opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which was notable for being the first work by a Black composer performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Looking Ahead to the Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2024. Liverman’s continuous achievements reflect not only his talent but also his dedication to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of African American poetry through music. As he prepares for the awards, Liverman’s contributions to the opera world continue to inspire emerging artists and audiences alike.
