Beverly Vaughn

Biography

Beverly Vaughn, mezzo-soprano, is a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a graduate of Loma Linda University in Riverside, California, with a B.A. in Spanish. Following graduation from Loma Linda University, she completed a Master of Music degree in voice performance at The Ohio State University and was awarded a Corbett Foundation Fellowship for operatic study in New York City. While there, she studied with Mme. Marinka Gurewich and coached primarily with Maestro Martin Rich, formerly of the Metropolitan Opera. She made her operatic debut in 1976 as the Strawberry Woman in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with the Graz, Austria, Opera. This was followed by her 1976 debut as Nicklaus in Hoffman’s Erzahlungen with the Vienna Volksoper. She received critical acclaim for her performance as Hannah in the world debut of Sir Michael Tippett’s The Ice Break at the Royal Opera House in London, England under the direction of Sir Colin Davis and subsequently appeared in other roles such as Suzuki with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and as Tigrana in Puccini’s Edgar with the Boston Oratorical Society. She later appeared with numerous orchestras in concerts and recitals both in the United States and Europe as well as on international radio and both American and European television. From 1979 to 1982, she again attended The Ohio State University where she received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in vocal performance and was subsequently hired by The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey to become a part of its music faculty and to serve as the director of choral activities. Since coming to Stockton, Beverly Vaughn has conducted the College Chorus, Chorale and accompanying orchestra in critically acclaimed performances of such masterworks as the Verdi Requiem, Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Haydn’sCreation, Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus, Charpentier’s Messe de Noel, Vaughan Williams’ The First Nowell, Saint-Saens’Christmas Oratorio, Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, Pinkerton’s Christmas Cantata, and at least six full-length performances of Handel’s Messiah. In April of 1995, Beverly was accompanied by the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra in a gala sold-out performance of the Orff masterpiece, Carmina Burana, and during December was part of another outstanding production of the Messiah. The Spring 1996 choral program was a production conceived by Dr. Vaughn entitled, “Trials and Tribulations,” featuring Negro spirituals and excerpts from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury. May 1997, witnessed the largest area performance of the Mozart Requiem, again with symphony orchestra, outstanding chorus, and a huge choral force. In spite of her important teaching and conducting responsibilities at Stockton, Beverly Vaughn continues to pursue her professional singing and artistic career. During the past several years, she has, among other things, toured Europe in the title role of Carmen Jones, presented solo recitals throughout the East Coast, appeared with Opera Ebony, performed in France and Brazil, and frequently appears in duo-concert with acclaimed soprano Betty Lane. Finally, although Beverly Vaughn has enjoyed fine classical training and professional success, one of her greatest joys has been praising God through the ministry of music. Since her earliest years, she has worked with and performed with the music of her heritage in the black church. She continues this service as music director of one of Atlantic City, New Jersey’s, important African-American churches, performs with the Celebration of Praise Ensemble and works in her own Christian denomination’s music department. All glory goes to Him.

Research Interest

Performance, choral activities, voice, music history, music of African-Americans, introduction to music, fundamentals of music, Gospel music.