Who am I?
My name is Limmie Pulliam and I am an opera singer. I am a native of Missouri and the youngest of 10 children in a fairly musical family. Growing up all I knew was gospel and the different forms of popular music. That all changed one day when my high school choral director asked me to stay after class. She asked me if I had ever heard of a singer named Luciano Pavarotti. Being a young black male in rural Missouri, I hadn't. She handed me a piece of music called "Una furtiva lagrima" and a cassette tape (YES, a cassette lol) and asked me to try to learn the song. I took the CD home, listened to it, and was hooked from the first note. I had NEVER heard anything like this before. With no Italian language skills, I was able to learn the words by listening to Pavarotti. I not only succeeded in learning the aria but learned most of the other songs on the cassette as well. If hadn't figured it out yet, she never got that casette tape back! :)
After high school, I went on to study voice at the renowned Oberlin Conservatory of Music. After Oberlin, I was just beginning my pursuit of a career in opera when "life happened," as it so often does, and I had to make the difficult choice to put my career on hold just as it was beginning. What I had originally hoped would be a short hiatus turned into 12 years away from doing what I love. After years of working in other fields, I officially made my return to the stage in late 2011.
Since my return, I have presented concerts, recitals and masterclasses throughout the Midwest. I was selected as the 2012 winner of the National Opera Association's Vocal Competition where I was also presented with the Todd Duncan Legacy Award. I was also honored to have been selected as a 2012 Finalist in the Wagner Division of the prestigious Liederkranz Vocal Competition in New York City.
The Project
Prior to my hiatus, I was blessed to perform on concert and opera stages throughout Europe and the United States. Times have changed over the years, and although things have greatly improved, African-American males are still under represented in the world of opera and classical music in general. I have had the privilege of sharing my gift on many stages, but I believe that it is now time to expand my horizons and my audience.
This project is something that I have wanted to do for quite some time. One of the most frequently asked questions after a performance is, "Do you have any recordings for sale?" And when I have to answer no it's usually followed by, "That's too bad, you really should be recording.." With your help, I will be able to make this a reality.
With changes that have taken place in the classical music world, and music in general, it has become increasingly important for artist to create their own opportunities. That is the basis of this project.
I have chosen the music of Richard Strauss because it's not only extremely beautiful music, but it is music that I believe is quite accessible to all music lovers. Like opera, these songs are full of drama and they touch on every human emotion.
On this project, I will have the honor and privilege of collaborating with pianist, Earl Buys. Earl has been employed by the Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera and many other opera companies as assistant conductor and accompanist.
He has appeared in recital with some of the worlds most renowned classical vocalists (including Gerard Souzay, William Warfield and Jerome Hines) and has concertized in every major New York venue including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hally, Town Hall and Avery Fisher Hall.
What I Need & What You Get
I need your help in raising $8,000.00 to do this recording at a level that I believe I can be proud of.
Your contribution will cover:
- Musical Rehearsals/Coachings ($80/hr)
- Studio/Venue Rental (approx. $2000.00)
- Producing and Engineering the recording ($100.00/hr)
- Mixing, Mastering, Art Design, CD Manufacturing & Distribution (approx. $3100.00)
- Piano Tuning (TBD)
- Photographer to chronicle the recording process for photobooks (TBD)
Perks
Your contribution can earn you anything from a digital download of the recording to Executive Producer status to your own private recital.
Can't Donate? How You Can Still Help...
I know that some are unable to contribute, but please know that you can still play an important role in making this recording a reality by sharing this page with your friends and followers on social media sites as well as with your email contacts.
Thank you in advance for your support!!
Much love,
Limmie.
