An accomplished baritone from Virginia Beach, **Will Liverman** has achieved yet another milestone in his burgeoning music career. This month, he received a nomination for the **Grammy Award** in the category of Best Classical Compendium for his album, **“The Dunbar/Moore Sessions Volume II.”** This marks Liverman’s fifth Grammy nomination, reflecting his growing impact in the classical music scene.
Liverman’s most recent nomination builds on his previous accolades, including a **2023 Grammy Award** for Best Opera Recording, which he won for his lead role in the opera **“Fire Shut Up in My Bones.”** This groundbreaking work, composed by **Terence Blanchard**, was notable for being the first opera by a Black composer performed at the **Metropolitan Opera**.
Innovative Musical Exploration
“The Dunbar/Moore Sessions Volume II” showcases Liverman’s unique interpretation of poetry from **Paul Laurence Dunbar** and **Alice Dunbar-Moore**, prominent figures of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The album blends various musical styles, including jazz, gospel, and classical, creating a rich auditory experience.
“I just took it upon myself to seek out my favorite poems and seek out my favorite collaborators,” Liverman explained. “I wrote these songs just being inspired by these poets, and also to find out who I am, myself, as a writer.” His artistic vision resonates throughout the album, which features contributions from notable opera stars such as **Isabel Leonard** and **Erin Morley**, alongside Broadway talent **Mykal Kilgore**.
Liverman’s musical journey began in **Hampton Roads**, where he sang in local church choirs. He honed his craft at **Cox High School** and the **Governor’s School for the Arts** before pursuing a master’s degree in music at **Juilliard**. His career gained momentum when he landed the title role in “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” a powerful narrative based on the memoir of **Charles Blow**, a columnist for the **New York Times**.
A Bright Future Ahead
The **Grammy Awards** ceremony is scheduled for **February 1, 2024**, where Liverman will compete against other distinguished artists in the classical music category. As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, Liverman remains a proud representative of his Virginia Beach roots, inspiring a new generation of artists.
With his rich voice and innovative projects, Will Liverman is not just making waves in the opera world; he is also redefining classical music for a broader audience. His latest nomination is a testament to his talent and dedication, promising an exciting future ahead.
