DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Cecile Cooper newspaper clippings, 1966-1987

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Cecile Cooper newspaper clippings, 1966-1987

1985-02-18 ""'Porgy' will come home""

Simon Estes is a University of Iowa alum who has become the only black male opera singer of international status. He has recently taken on the role of "Porgy" in "Porgy and Bess" produced by the Metropolitan Opera. Despite this new fame Simon has attained since starring in this production, he is making a return to Iowa City to perform. Simon originally planned to study medicine or law and is extremely pleased with his decision to be an opera singer as he says if he continued with his original plan of study he'd be "making $35,000 a year, have 4 kids and be in debt." However, not everyone was supportive in his journey to become an opera singer. Many people, including faculty of the University of Iowa discouraged him stating that he doesn't have the voice for an opera singer, but should instead pursue a singing career in jazz, pop, or rock 'n roll. He was determined and after several years finally made a debut with the Metropolitan Opera in Europe. However, Estes has been concerned for years about the lack of diversity in his profession, and other theater related jobs. Female opera singers do not experience as much as discrimination. Estes believes that the audience doesn't want to view an interracial relationship on stage, especially involving a black male and white female. The audience also doesn't want to see a black male in a powerful position. Black men in Europe do not face this discrimination the same way American men do. Estes was often asked why he would return to America to face this prejudice and he always stated that he is on a mission to make the country a better place. He compares himself with Boris Godunov because of his emotional honesty.  Godunov ruled the Tsardom of Russia from 1585-1598. Within 10 years, Simon Estes hopes to contribute something to society in regards to helping reduce prejudice towards people of color.

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Simon Estes is a University of Iowa alum who has become the only black male opera singer of international status. He has recently taken on the role of "Porgy" in "Porgy and Bess" produced by the Metropolitan Opera. Despite this new fame Simon has attained since starring in this production, he is making a return to Iowa City to perform. Simon originally planned to study medicine or law and is extremely pleased with his decision to be an opera singer as he says if he continued with his original plan of study he'd be "making $35,000 a year, have 4 kids and be in debt." However, not everyone was supportive in his journey to become an opera singer. Many people, including faculty of the University of Iowa discouraged him stating that he doesn't have the voice for an opera singer, but should instead pursue a singing career in jazz, pop, or rock 'n roll. He was determined and after several years finally made a debut with the Metropolitan Opera in Europe. However, Estes has been concerned for years about the lack of diversity in his profession, and other theater related jobs. Female opera singers do not experience as much as discrimination. Estes believes that the audience doesn't want to view an interracial relationship on stage, especially involving a black male and white female. The audience also doesn't want to see a black male in a powerful position. Black men in Europe do not face this discrimination the same way American men do. Estes was often asked why he would return to America to face this prejudice and he always stated that he is on a mission to make the country a better place. He compares himself with Boris Godunov because of his emotional honesty. Godunov ruled the Tsardom of Russia from 1585-1598. Within 10 years, Simon Estes hopes to contribute something to society in regards to helping reduce prejudice towards people of color.