News / Art
International Opera Star Marquita Lister Feature on Close-Up Talk Radio
Close-Up Talk Radio
Press Release For
Marquita Lister
Show Dates:
Friday January 4th at 11am EST
Friday January 11th at 11am EST
Friday January 18th at 11am EST
Friday January 25th at 11am EST
Friday February 1st at 11am EST
Friday February 8th at 11am EST
For Immediate Release
Contact: Close-Up Talk Radio
631-421-8500
www.blogtalkradio.com/closeuptalkradio
Close-Up Talk Radio Spotlights Marquita Lister
Washington, D.C. – As an award-winning international opera star, Marquita Lister has traveled the world, performed for some of the largest opera companies in front of the biggest crowds, and achieved great feats in her career. However, Marquita’s greatest triumph may be her strength in overcoming a life-threatening obstacle.
Growing up in Washington, D.C., Marquita discovered her love for singing at an early age. By her teens, she had won several local singing competitions, which then led her to earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the New England Conservatory and a Master’s degree in Music from Oklahoma City University.
Marquita went on to join the Houston Opera Studio where, after performing for two years, she landed an agent. Passion, determination, and an unparalleled dramatic range enabled Marquita to land coveted roles in countless major productions, including Aida, Macbeth, La Boheme and Porgy and Bess.
Along with the opportunity to tour the world, dazzle immense crowds, and do what she loves most, Marquita has performed with Emmy®-nominated productions and earned an impressive list of awards, such as “Artist of the Year Award” from the Pittsburgh Opera and the New York City Opera’s “Diva Award.”
Of all that Marquita has accomplished throughout her illustrious career, her most cherished honor is to have received the National Rehabilitation Hospital’s “Victory Award.” A bittersweet moment for Marquita, she reflects on all that she has been through since being diagnosed in 2006 with a serious, life-threatening disease.
“I had to re-learn how to walk, breathe, and eventually sing,” says Marquita. “I have faith that God gave me the strength to overcome this. One has to stay optimistic, dare to believe that things will get better, and have the courage to believe there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Other recipients of the “Victory Award” include Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Bob Dole to name a few. Though it is an honor for Marquita to share this award with such prominent figures, she stresses the importance of the lessons she’s learned from her experience.
“I went from singing in the most beautiful places in the world to being in hospitals all of the time. I came to the realization that my voice does not define who I am as a person. I was determined to not let this beat me. I learned a lot about myself and how wonderful my family and circle of friends truly are.”
In the last few years, Marquita has made tremendous strides in taking control of her health and overcoming a debilitating illness. She has since returned to the stage with invigorated passion and a renewed appreciation for life.
Marquita is an advocate for the scholarship and education programs of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. and a spokesperson for the “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation.
Marquita Lister will be discussing her amazing life, career, experiences and recovery in a six-part series on Close-Up Talk Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/closeuptalkradio. The series will air live on January 4th, January 11th, January 18th, January 25th, February 1st, and February 8th. All shows will air at 11am EST on their respective dates. Listeners are encouraged to dial-in at 347-996-3389.
Contact:
Georgiana Francisco
ByGeorge Communications
PO Box 993
Medford, NJ 08055
609-714-9660 (O)
609-417-4190 (M)
609-714-2863 (F)
Email: gf@bygeorgecommunications.com
