Virginia Beach’s Will Liverman Nominated for Grammy Again

Virginia Beach native and acclaimed opera singer Will Liverman has once again earned recognition in the music industry with his recent nomination for a Grammy Award. This time, he is in the running for Best Classical Compendium for his album titled The Dunbar/Moore Sessions Volume II. This nomination marks Liverman’s fifth, following his win for Best Opera Recording in 2023 for his performance in Fire Shut Up in My Bones.

Liverman’s latest project is a tribute to the poetry of influential 19th and early 20th-century figures, Paul Laurence Dunbar and Alice Dunbar-Moore. The album creatively blends various musical styles, including jazz, gospel, classical, and musical theater. In his own words, Liverman expressed, “I just took it upon myself to seek out my favorite poems and seek out my favorite collaborators. I wrote these songs just being inspired by these poets, and also to find out who I am, myself, as a writer.”

Background and Career Milestones

Liverman’s journey in music began in the Hampton Roads area, where he honed his vocal skills as a member of choirs at New Hope Church of God in Christ in Norfolk and New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Virginia Beach. He attended Cox High School and later the Governor’s School for the Arts, where his passion for music flourished.

He further developed his craft at Juilliard, earning a master’s degree in music. Liverman’s career took a significant leap forward when he secured the title role in Terence Blanchard’s opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones in 2020. This groundbreaking production, based on the memoir of New York Times columnist Charles Blow, was notable for being the first opera by a Black composer to be performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

The Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 1, 2024, and Liverman’s continued success highlights the rich talent emerging from Virginia Beach. With a growing list of accolades, he remains a prominent figure in the classical music scene, inspiring future generations of artists.

Liverman’s album features collaborations with esteemed artists, including opera stars Isabel Leonard and Erin Morley, as well as Broadway star Mykal Kilgore. This diverse ensemble showcases his dedication to blending different musical genres while paying homage to the poetic traditions that inform his work.

As the Grammy Awards approach, the music community eagerly anticipates the announcement of the winners, and Liverman’s nomination stands as a testament to his artistry and commitment to expanding the boundaries of opera and classical music.