Farewell concert planned for opera singer, University Distinguished Professor of Voice Joyce Castle

The KU School of Music is announcing the retirement of opera singer and University Distinguished Professor of Voice Joyce Castle.

After more than two decades with the KU School of Music, and a remarkable career spanning five decades, mezzo-soprano Castle will perform her farewell concert on April 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lied Center. The program will feature selections highlighting her extraordinary career.

“Joyce Castle’s talent and dedication to her craft have inspired countless students and audiences,” said KU School of Music Dean Paul Popiel. “She will be deeply missed, but we are honored to celebrate her incredible career.”

About Joyce Castle:

Throughout her career, Castle has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses and concert halls. A proud graduate of KU, and since her professional debut at the San Francisco Opera in 1970, Castle has sung in the US and Canada, Europe, Israel, and Brazil in opera, concert, musical comedy, and cabaret. A Grammy winner for her performance in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide, she was a leading artist at the New York City Opera for 25 seasons and at the Metropolitan Opera for 14 seasons.

In the US, she has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Seattle Opera. Summer festivals include Santa Fe Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Central City Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera. You can learn more about Castle’s extensive career on the KU School of Music’s website.

Mark Ferrell, her long-time collaborator, will be at the piano. Mark retired in 2022 after 37 years serving as production and music director for our program.

Tickets:

The event is free and open to the public, with a reception to follow. For more information, please visit lied.ku.edu or call 785-864-2787.