Concert pianist Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan and operatic tenor soloist Terrence Bradford Tarver are featured guest performers at Historic Asbury United Methodist Church’s “Watchnight Reflections” on Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. Their performances are preceded by a special time of fellowship beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Morgan began playing the piano at age 3 and has continued on a journey to become one of the greatest classical pianists in the world. In 2003, Morgan received a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Capital University Conservatory of Music in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, she is a 2005 graduate of Howard University, where she earned a master’s degree in the same discipline. Morgan also studied privately for many years and has won numerous accolades for her talents.
To further enhance her musical gifts, she attended various summer programs including Interlochen World Center for the Arts, Northwestern University Summer Music Institute, The Recording Workshop, The Cleveland Institute and the Westminster Choir College. Most recently she was awarded the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Award-Rainbow PUSH Coalition Annual Conference and “Women on the Rise” Unity Globe Award in June 2005. Her artistry was recently televised around the world as she rendered a powerful piano rendition at her godmother’s funeral, the late Albertina Walker.
Likewise, Terrence Tarver has garnered a number of accolades at a young age. He is a classically trained tenor whose repertoire includes opera, jazz, gospel, soul, spirituals, Broadway and blues. In 2007, Tarver earned a master’s degree in public administration from Howard University. His undergraduate work was completed at Langston University in 2002, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Langston University. While at Langston, Tarver was initiated as a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He also participated in the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Competition in Houston, Texas where he was awarded Best Talent.
A native of Chicago, Tarver currently resides in New York City. His passion for music began at the age of 5. At that time, his mother took notice of his abilities and enrolled him in vocal music lessons. Since then, Terrence has received extensive coaching from several vocal teachers including professor Wayne Sanders, artistic director for Opera Ebony; Dr. James Weldon Norris, Howard University; Dr. Bonita Franklin and Dr. William B. Garcia, Langston University; Robert G. Berthold, The Chicago Performing Arts Center; and Ronald McCowan and Janice Carpenter, Curie High School.
The public is invited to attend the special program featuring Tarver and Morgan as they usher in 2011. The church is located at 926 11th St., N.W. Washington, D.C., 20001. For more information, please call the church office at 202-628-0009.
Patrick D. McCoy is an arts columnist and musician residing in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. His online column can be read at examiner.com/kennedy-center-in-washington-dc/patrick-mccoy.
