Aida's Brothers & Sisters: Black Voices In Opera And Concert

This film features accomplished African-Americans discussing the special challenges they face while establishing opera singing careers, and historians recalling the difficult professional lives of stars like Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson. Clips featuring such talented performers as Grace Bumbry, Simon Estes, Barbara Hendricks, George Shirley, and Rei Grist provide strong evidence of the special contributions that black opera stars continue making to their field. Additional segments note that though discrimination continues against African-Americans trying to start opera careers, excellent training programs are available through Opera Ebony and the Harlem School for the Arts.