In 1982, American soprano Jessye Norman made her United States operatic debut with the Opera Company of Philadelphia.  Thirty years and five Grammy Awards later, Jessye Norman returns to Philadelphia to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.

With such an illustrious career, it’s no wonder that Miss Norman is the recipient of many awards and honors. In December of 1997, she was invested with the United States’ highest award in the performing arts, the Kennedy Center Honor, making history as the youngest recipient in the Honors’ 20-year existence. Her many other prestigious distinctions include honorary doctorates at some 35 colleges, universities, and conservatories around the world. In February of 2006, Jessye Norman became only the fourth opera/classical music singer in the 48-year history of the Grammy Awards, to be presented The Lifetime Achievement Award for Classical Music. Creating her own place in this legendary list of awardees, Miss Norman joined the illustrious company of Enrico Caruso, Marian Anderson, and Leontyne Price.

On April 14th, renowned Philadelphia art patrons Carole and Joseph Shanis, together with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia’s Board of Directors, will add another Lifetime Achievement Award to Miss Norman’s impressive list with a gala evening of celebration at The Westin Philadelphia. Evantine Design is thrilled to be a part of this incredible tribute, and make no mistake, we’ll be filling the Grand Ballroom of The Westin with simple, beautiful (and fragrance-free) Spring flowers blooming just for Jessye.

{Photo: Carol Friedman}