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William Ray

William Ray

William Ray, born in Lexington, Kentucky, began his vocal training in his home town. He continued his studies at Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky; Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, from which he received his Bachelor’s degree; Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio; Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (Master’s Degree); Academy of Music, Vienna, Austria; and the Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.

While performing at the Karamu Theater in Cleveland, Ohio he was offered operatic contracts to sing in Vienna, Austria and Frankfurt, Germany. These appearances led to engagements in other major opera houses, with major orchestras and conductors. For 25 years, Mr. Ray sang throughout Austria, East and West Germany, Italy, France, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Russia, in opera, concerts, and oratorios.

Having become knowledgeable in European languages, Mr. Ray appeared in various roles as an actor and singer on German and Austrian stages, radio, and television.

In 1982, William Ray joined the Peabody Conservatory of Music, as Professor of Voice. He continues to return to Europe for concert appearances.

Concerts

Sunday, April 30, 1989