J. ROZLYN SMITH-CLARK Salutes THE LADIES WHO SING WITH THE BAND November 30, 2010

J. Rosalynn Smith-Clark, Founder and Managing/Artistic Director of Opera Noir, was named an “Unsung Hero” in 2005 by KCET Television, a PBS Station in Los Angeles, California for her work with Opera Noir. The classical soprano, who once headed a full-service advertising and a corporate event-planning firm, founded Opera Noir in July of 1999. Concerned by the lack of performing opportunities for classical artists of color, she founded Opera Noir to “promote cultural diversity in the classical arts”. Mrs. Smith-Clark believes that “the stage should reflect the world in which we live”
It is Rosalynn’s dream that Opera Noir become to classical music, what Dance Theatre of Harlem has become to ballet. Her artistic vision, and commitment to excellence, has allowed her to entertain, educate, and introduce new and gifted artists to a larger audience. Ms. Smith-Clark brings and ethnocentric approach to classical music. She embraces the musical influences of her upbringing in the African America church, and her experience as a much sought after Jazz Vocalist early in her career. As a result of Rosalynn's passionate advocacy for multiculturalism in the Arts, Opera Noir has been critically acclaimed, and has been embraced and encouraged by the funding community.