Published: April 29, 2008 08:29 pm            

Local opera star to present Houston recital in May

Special to The Leader



Shon Sims, a West Orange-Stark graduate and international opera singer, is making an important career change. He will transition from baritone to tenor this year and will make his debut as a Tenor in Houston.

Sims will present a recital at Rice University’s Duncan Hall at 7 p.m. Friday May 16. This concert is open to the public and admission is free.

In classical voice, the male instrument doesn’t reach full maturity until the mid-thirties. At that point, the singer must decide which vocal route to take — either tenor or baritone. At 36 and with 10 years experience as a baritone, Sims said he has decided this is the right time to become a tenor.

For the past six months, Sims has been working with vocal teacher Steven King of Houston Grand Opera preparing for his debut. The recital will be his first public performance as a tenor.

Additionally, Sims will make his stage debut with the Houston Grand Opera in January 2009 as tenor soloist in their new production of “Chorus.” He will appear again throughout 2009-2010 in “Rigoletto” and “Tosca”.

Sims recently performed for the first time at the Houston Grand Opera as The Pilot in “The Little Prince,” after performing the same role at Skylight Opera in Milwaukee. As a baritone, Sims has performed all over the world, from New York City to Santa Barbara, Calif., and also in Italy, Tokyo and Portugal.

For more information on Sims and his upcoming performances, visit www.shonsimsrecital.com.

        

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