Simon Estes: In His Own Voice (Landauer) An Autobiography: The Dramatic Story of How Faith and Integrity Triumph Over Adversity and Discrimination - Hardcover

Simon Estes; Mary Swanson

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9781890621018: Simon Estes: In His Own Voice (Landauer) An Autobiography: The Dramatic Story of How Faith and Integrity Triumph Over Adversity and Discrimination

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1890621013 ISBN 13: 9781890621018

Publisher: Design Originals, 1999

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Simon Estes: In His Own Voice is the dramatic autobiographical story of the internationally-acclaimed opera star and bass baritone, Simon Estes, and how faith and integrity helped him triumph over adversity and discrimination.

Telling his inspiring life story, from his family's history of slavery and struggle to him performing for presidents, popes, world leaders, and celebrities, Simon shares how his determination, positivity, and strong faith in God led him to center stage. Filled with photographs, memos, and detailed stories, get a first-hand account into the life and career of Simon Estes in this incredible autobiography.

Rising from humble beginnings in the small town of Centerville, Iowa, Simon Estes—grandson of a slave sold at auction for $500, son of a father who faithfully struggled to provide for his family—is an amazing African-American success story.

With family values founded upon a Godly heritage, character-building struggle and sacrifice, Simon Estes successfully faced each new hurdle and career challenge, culminating in triumph for this talented performing artist.

At age eight, Simon Estes began singing in church with his family. At the University of Iowa his mentor, Charles Kellis, introduced Simon to classical music. After a year at The Juilliard School of Music in New York City, Simon made his debut in 1965 with Deutsche Oper Berlin as Ramfis in Aida. 1966 brought third place in the first Tchaikovsky Vocal Competition and a White House appearance. Since then, Simon Estes has sung for United States presidents, kings and queens, and numerous other world leaders.

This internationally renowned bass-baritone is best known as King Philip in Don Carlo, Escamillo in Carmen, Wotan in Wagner's Ring Cycle, Amfortas in Parsifal, Porgy in Porgy and Bess, his four roles in The Tales of Hoffman, and the title roles of Boris Gudonov, the Flying Dutchman, and Macbeth. In demand as a soloist and recitalist, Simon Estes has performed with the world's most prominent orchestras and conductors in its finest opera houses and recital halls. He has recorded on more than ten labels.

Simon Estes shares both his voice and his determination to make a difference through his compassionate humanitarian efforts for the numerous youth who benefit from this vision for merit-based education and opportunity. He is truly an American hero with the voice, values and vision to inspire the next generation.

Share in the extraordinary applause from many admirers around the world who believe that—on and off the stage—Simon Estes deserves a standing ovation!

"Through struggle and sacrifice, Iowa-born Simon Estes determined to maintain a positive attitude and, with faith in God, turned adversity into achievement worthy of international acclaim. As the son of an Iowa farmer, I have also reaped the rewards of family values founded upon a Godly heritage and share in the applause for this extraordinarily gifted performing artist."
—Dr. Robert H. Schuller,
The Crystal Cathedral

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From the Publisher:

Simon Estes: In His Own Voice
168 pages; $29.95
8" x 10," hardcover with jacket
26-minute Phillips Digital Classic CD sampler with favorite opera, Broadway, and spiritual songs.
Over 200 full-color photos and illustrations.
Inspiring gift book.

From the Back Cover:

"Simon Estes is the consummate artist...the gifts of the artist remind us of the love of the Creator. Thank you Simon Estes."
—Dr. Maya Angelou,
Beloved poet, author, and teacher

"I was deeply moved reading Simon Estes' story, and I have marvelled that despite all the anguish he has suffered, he could be so whole, so magnanimous, so ready to forgive...Simon Estes is indeed a worthy role model."
—The Most Rev. Desmond M. Tutu,
Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town
at the South African Consulate

"Singing in the title role of Boccanegra—his 100th role—Mr. Estes displays a stellar talent that for too long has remained hidden from American audiences. Mr. Estes turned in one of the most powerful and authoritative performances we have seen in recent years at the [Kennedy Center] Opera House."
—T. L. Ponick, The Washington Times

"Choosing to rise above mere celebrity status, Simon Estes strives to be a positive role model. Through his founding sponsorship of Partners in Economic Progress (PEP), Mr. Estes helps provide "rocket fuel" for full participation of African-Americans in the American Dream."
—Lloyd Ward, President and Chief Operating Officer
The Maytag Corporation and PEP Advisor

"Working with Simon Estes is always inspirational. He is a remarkable musician and one of America's great cultural ambassadors."
—Joseph Giunta, Music Director and Conductor
Des Moines Symphony

"Not since listening to my father, Paul Robeson, sing these songs at the peak of his career have I been so completely captured by the splendor and personality of a voice...with unexcelled dramatic vision and with an overwhelming and unforgettable presence."
—Paul Robeson, Jr.,
from Simon Estes: Witness to a Great Tradition

In his 100th role, Simon Estes premiered as Simon Boccanegra under the direction of Placido Domingo in the Washington Opera Company's production of Verdi's opera at the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.

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