The Denyce Graves Foundation Names Pierre Vallet as New Music Director

Pierre Vallet, Music Director, Denyce Graves Foundation ● Photo Credit: Denyce Graves Foundation

BALTIMORE, November 5, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – Arts nonprofit, The Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF), has announced the appointment of Pierre Vallet as its new Music Director. According to the organization, Vallet, known for his work at major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera and L’Opéra National de Paris, will help further DGF’s mission of fostering inclusivity in classical music and celebrating the contributions of underrepresented artists.

"I am thrilled to welcome Pierre to our team. His extensive experience as a conductor at some of the world's most esteemed opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, L'Opéra National de Paris, The Dallas Opera, and Göteborg Opera, to name a few, will be a tremendous asset. His commitment to celebrating the contributions of underrepresented artists, combined with his remarkable background, positions us to inspire and empower the next generation of artists while ensuring their voices are heard," said Denyce Graves, Founder and Artistic Director of the foundation.

Vallet is also a lecturer and guest teacher, serving as a member of the Vocal Arts faculty at The Juilliard School, one of the Foundation’s educational partners. "We are thrilled to welcome Pierre to The Denyce Graves Foundation, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. His innovative vision and dedication to nurturing artistic talent will greatly enhance our programs and help us prepare our artists for the future. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students and the future of our initiatives," said Terry Eberhardt, Executive Director.

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Vallet opened up about his commitment to the foundation’s mission of increasing diversity within classical music, stating: "I'm passionate about mentoring and nurturing young musicians of all backgrounds. DGF's mission to make classical music more inclusive will ensure the vitality of this art form for generations to come. I am honored to join Denyce Graves and be a part of this vision.”

DGF’s Board Chair, Marc Chazaud, made a statement about the alignment of Vallet’s dedication with the Foundation’s goals: "Pierre's dedication to the arts aligns seamlessly with our Foundation's mission. As a leading figure in the industry, his esteemed reputation positions him to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our foundation. We believe that his leadership and vision will not only expand our initiatives but also profoundly impact our young artists, helping to nurture and develop the talent that will define the next generation. We look forward to the innovative programs he will create and the lasting influence he will have on their artistic journeys," stated Chazaud.

DGF, founded by opera artist Denyce Graves, collaborates with institutions like The Smithsonian Institution and The Metropolitan Opera to spotlight hidden figures in American classical music and support young artists through its educational programs.

For more information, visit www.thedenycegravesfoundation.org.

Source: The Denyce Graves Foundation