George Shirley

[2][3] After continuing voice studies with Therny Georgi, he moved to New York and began his professional career as a singer.

He currently serves as the Joseph Edgar Maddy Distinguished University Professor of Music, and still maintains a studio at the school.

[1] In 1968, Shirley won a Grammy Award for his performance in the role Ferrando in the RCA recording of Mozart's Così fan tutte.

[9] One his highest honors came in 2015 when Mr. Shirley received the National Medal of Arts, bestowed upon him by US President Barack Obama.

[10] The following year in 2016, he was a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Opera Association's annual convention.