The Essay: In Their Voices

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The Essay: In Their Voices: Robert McFerrin

In Their Voices

Robert McFerrin

BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, In Their Voices, Robert McFerrin

Peter Brathwaite shares his love of the voice of Robert McFerrin and why it is so special.

Opera singer Peter Brathwaite invites us in to the trailblazing, luminous voice of baritone Robert McFerrin, in a personal exploration of what makes it - and him - so special.

Opera singer Peter Brathwaite shares his passion for five very different singers whose voices, artistry and lives inspire and move him, and whose stories he needs to tell.

If you're asked to think of a groundbreaking singer called McFerrin, it's likely that Bobby springs to mind. But this undisputed vocal genius is in fact following in the footsteps of his father, Robert McFerrin Snr: the first ever African American man to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

For Peter, Robert McFerrin's beautiful baritone voice, and his experiences singing on the global opera stage, resonate down generations of black men singing in opera. He both acts as a role model and offers insight into the cyclical nature of conversations about race and representation in classical music.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Opera singer Peter Brathwaite shares his passion for five very different singers.

Opera singer Peter Brathwaite shares his passion for five very different singers, whose voices, artistry and lives inspire and move him, and whose stories he needs to tell.

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