Virginia Beach native Will Liverman has earned yet another prestigious accolade in his illustrious career as an opera singer. This month, he received a nomination for a Grammy Award in the Best Classical Compendium category for his album, The Dunbar/Moore Sessions Volume II. This marks Liverman’s fifth Grammy nomination. He previously secured a Grammy win in 2023 for Best Opera Recording as the headliner in the acclaimed production, Fire Shut Up in My Bones.
Liverman’s latest work features music inspired by the poetry of 19th and early 20th-century poets and activists Paul Laurence Dunbar and Alice Dunbar-Moore. The album blends various genres, including jazz, gospel, classical, and musical theater. Reflecting on his creative process, Liverman expressed, “I just took it upon myself to seek out my favorite poems and seek out my favorite collaborators. I wrote these songs just being inspired by these poets, and also to find out who I am, myself, as a writer.”
Early Life and Education
Liverman’s musical journey began in Hampton Roads, where he honed his vocal skills in church choirs, including Norfolk’s New Hope Church of God in Christ and Virginia Beach’s New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. He attended Cox High School and participated in the Governor’s School for the Arts, which helped shape his artistic talents.
He later pursued a master’s degree in music from Juilliard, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous programs. Liverman gained further recognition after successfully auditioning for the title role in Terence Blanchard’s opera, Fire Shut Up in My Bones, in 2020. This production was groundbreaking, as it was the first opera composed by a Black artist to be performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Future Prospects
The Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 1, 2024, where Liverman will compete against other talented artists. His album prominently features collaborations with esteemed opera stars, including Isabel Leonard, a three-time Grammy winner, and Erin Morley, who won the 2022 Grammy award for Best Choral Performance. Broadway star Mykal Kilgore also lends his talents to the project.
With each nomination, Liverman continues to elevate the profile of classical music while celebrating the rich legacy of African American poets and musicians. His ongoing contributions to the opera world not only showcase his remarkable talent but also inspire future generations of artists from Virginia Beach and beyond.
