Opera Star Jessye Norman's 'White Gates' Collection to be Auctioned at Doyle

Jessye Norman, born in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the world's greatest and most beloved figures in the realm of classical music. She began her professional life in Europe, making her debut in 1969 at age twenty-four with the Deutsche Oper Berlin in Wagner's Tannhauser, where she was described as having "the greatest voice since the German soprano, Lotte Lehman." Performances at Milan's La Scala in Verdi's Aida and at London's Royal Opera House at Covent Garden in Les Troyens by Berlioz followed in 1972. Her debut at New York's Metropolitan Opera took place on Opening Night of the 100th Anniversary season as Cassandra in Les Troyens.

Miss Norman has performed on many special occasions, including the Bicentennial of the French Revolution in Paris in 1989 on the Place de la Concorde, two Presidential Inaugurations, and the Opening Ceremonies of the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, as well as one of Queen Elizabeth's birthdays, the visits of Nelson Mandela to Harvard University and New York City, and the visit of the Dalai Lama to London in 2012.

Her many awards and recognitions include 45 honorary doctorate degrees from universities, colleges and conservatories worldwide. She is an Officier in France's Ordre National de la Legion D'honneur, and a Commandeur in L'Ordre Des Arts et des Lettres. France has also named an orchid for her. She has been awarded the Kennedy Center Honor and the National Medal of the Arts.

Together with The Rachel Longstreet Foundation, Miss Norman established The Jessye Norman School of the Arts in her hometown of Augusta, Georgia. This after-school, tuition-free education in all forms of arts study and performance is offered to talented middle school children for whom private study in the arts would otherwise not be possible.

Miss Norman serves on the boards of Carnegie Hall, The New York Botanical Gardens, The New York Public Library and Dance Theatre of Harlem. She has long been a spokesperson for Lupus Research and for The Partnership for the Homeless.

Set in the rolling hills of northern Westchester County, White Gates has served as Miss Norman's country retreat for nearly thirty years. A previous owner, Allen Funt, was creator of the popular television show, Candid Camera. The manor house and surrounding compound shaded by mature landscaping provided a tranquil respite from performance obligations.

The public is invited to the exhibition on view from March 25 through 27. Doyle is located at 175 East 87th Street in New York. Sale information and the auction catalogue may be viewed online at https://DOYLE.com

SOURCE Doyle

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