Praised by critics as having “the greatest voice of the 20th Century,” Marilyn Horne, former star of the Metropolitan Opera, is being honored with the creation of a Performance Award in her name designated for a University of Oklahoma student participating in one of Horne’s master classes at OU.

Horne, who semiannually serves as a visiting artist at OU, will select the recipient of the $2,000 award based on vocal performance and potential during her master classes, which were held Tuesday, March 24, and are scheduled for Friday evening, March 27, at the OU School of Music.

Horne is a world-renowned American mezzo-soprano opera singer, who has performed in opera houses around the world during successful career.  She has received numerous accolades and honors in the arts including the National Medal of the Arts, the Kennedy Center Honor (1995) and was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1999. This is Ms. Horne’s 15th year as visiting professor at the School of Music.

“The teaching of Marilyn Horne on our campus for 15 years has been a priceless gift for our students,” said OU President David L. Boren.

She will present the award during her final master class of the semester at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27, in Pitman Recital Hall of Catlett Music Center.  The class is open to the public at no cost.

The award is being made possible through a gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. 

For more information about the master classes, contact Donna Mitchell-Cox, dmcox@ou.edu or (405) 514-9739.