Music In Homes: Beyond Classical: OperaSoul Kimsa Jordan

Kimsa Jordan, vocals and Maurice Draughn, harp

Not many people can front a jazz ensemble, sing Strauss’ Four Last Songs, lead a hip-hop band in the streets of the Sidewalk for Performing Arts Festival, and perform a contemporary song cycle within a summer’s time. But Kisma Jordan can.

A Metropolitan Opera National Council winner, the Detroit native has appeared with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Michigan Opera Theatre, Omaha Symphony Orchestra, and collaborated with Derrick May and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, keeping one foot in the classical world and one in the club.

Her multi-faceted career grew upon being named a Kresge Artist Fellow, as well as being named a Knight Foundation Arts Challenge recipient. Beyond Classical: OperaSoul. What Takes It Beyond? Kisma Jordan seamlessly navigates the worlds of classical music and hip-hop simultaneously, featuring American art song, and a few works of her own, charting a new pathway as a singer-songwriter and musician.

Harpist Maurice Draughn, a protegé of Kresge Eminent Artist Patricia Terry-Ross (who perform on MIH last season) is an experienced and versatile musician who has appeared as a soloist the International Symphony, Rochester Symphony, Plymouth Symphony, Michigan Philharmonic and the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra. He has also performed with legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles. 

Tickets: $50; VIP seating in front rows with additional leg room: $60.