Barbara Hendricks: The Lyric Soprano and Humanitarian
Barbara Hendricks is a world-renowned American lyric soprano—a type of high soprano voice known for its warmth and brightness—and a dedicated humanitarian. From her roots in the American South to the most prestigious opera houses in Europe and Asia, Hendricks has built a career defined by artistic versatility and a profound commitment to global peace.
Key Facts
- Born: November 20, 1948, in Stephens, Arkansas, U.S.
- Education: Degrees in Mathematics and Chemistry (University of Nebraska) and Music (Juilliard School).
- UNHCR Role: Longest-serving UN Goodwill Ambassador and the only Honorary Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador.
- Musical Range: Expert in opera, jazz, and chamber music.
- Citizenship: United States, Switzerland, and Sweden.
Early Life and Academic Journey
Born to Malvin, a preacher in the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, and Della Mae, a teacher, Barbara Hendricks grew up immersed in the black musical traditions of the Deep South. While attending Horace Mann High School in Little Rock, she sang in the choir of Art Porter Sr., whose jazz collection first sparked her interest in the genre.
Hendricks' early academic path was surprisingly scientific. She attended the University of Nebraska, where she graduated at age 20 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and chemistry. However, her participation in a vocal competition led her to the Aspen Music Festival and School. There, she met mezzo-soprano Jennie Tourel, who encouraged her to pursue professional music studies.
Hendricks subsequently attended the Juilliard School of Music, studying under Tourel and participating in master classes with the legendary soprano Maria Callas. She earned her bachelor's degree in music in 1973.
A Distinguished Musical Career
Hendricks made her professional operatic debut in 1974, appearing at the Glyndebourne Festival in Europe and the San Francisco Opera in the United States. Over the following decades, she became a staple at the world's most prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), La Scala, and the Opéra National de Paris.
One of her most historic performances occurred in 1998, when she sang the role of Liù in a production of Turandot at the Forbidden City in Beijing. Throughout her career, she has performed over twenty roles, recording twelve of them.
Expanding Beyond Opera
While rooted in opera, Hendricks has successfully branched into other genres. She made her jazz debut at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1994 and has since performed at major jazz festivals globally. She is also a passionate advocate for chamber music, having organized several festivals dedicated to the form.
Her talent has also extended to the screen. She appeared as Mimì in La bohème and played Anne Truelove in the 1995 Swedish film Rucklarens väg (an adaptation of Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress). In 2007, she appeared in Amos Gitai's film Disengagement, for which she also recorded the main theme, Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde.
Recent Artistic Ventures
In 2004, Hendricks premiered the role of Angel in Péter Eötvös' opera Angels in America at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. In 2006, she transitioned to independent recording by leaving EMI to create her own exclusive label, Arte Verum. In 2018, she performed "La Marseillaise" with the Choir of the French Army during the interment of Simone Veil at the Panthéon.
Humanitarianism and Global Activism
Driven by her experiences growing up in Jim Crow-era Arkansas, Hendricks has dedicated much of her life to human rights. In 1987, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). She is the longest-serving ambassador in the organization's history and remains the only person to hold the title of Honorary Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador, awarded in 2002.
Her activism is not merely symbolic; she has traveled extensively across Asia, Europe, and Africa. During the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, she performed concerts in the war-torn cities of Sarajevo and Dubrovnik in 1991 and 1993. To further these efforts, she founded the Barbara Hendricks Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation in 1998.
Additionally, since 2000, she has served on the Council of the Foundation for the Refugee Education Trust (RET), which focuses on providing post-primary education to refugee youth worldwide.
Summary of Achievements
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Education | University of Nebraska (Math/Chemistry), Juilliard (Music) |
| Major Venues | Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Royal Opera House, Opéra National de Paris |
| Humanitarian Roles | UNHCR Honorary Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador, Founder of Barbara Hendricks Foundation |
| Notable Awards | Légion d'honneur, Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Prince of Asturias Award |
Awards and Recognition
Hendricks' contributions to the arts and humanity have been recognized with numerous prestigious honors:
- Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (1986)
- Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur (1992)
- Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts (2000)
- Lions Clubs International Award (2001)
- Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (2015)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barbara Hendricks' vocal range?
Barbara Hendricks is a lyric soprano, a voice type characterized by a bright, warm quality that is well-suited for both operatic and concert performances.
Did Barbara Hendricks study music from the beginning?
No, she initially studied chemistry and mathematics at the University of Nebraska, graduating at age 20 before pursuing music at the Juilliard School.
What is her connection to the United Nations?
She is the longest-serving UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and the only person to be named an Honorary Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador.
Does she perform music other than opera?
Yes, Hendricks is an accomplished jazz singer, having debuted at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1994, and she is also deeply involved in chamber music.
What is the purpose of the Barbara Hendricks Foundation?
Founded in 1998, the Barbara Hendricks Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation seeks to facilitate reconciliation in regions where conflicts have already occurred.