At home both on the operatic and concert stage, Duke alumna Marlissa Hudson (T '99) made her professional debut while a student, performing "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess with the Baltimore Symphony Pops Orchestra under the baton of Marvin Hamlisch. She has collaborated with such esteemed organizations as the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, 92Y, Baltimore Symphony Pops Orchestra, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Choralis, members of the Arianna Quartet, and Vocal Essence.

Ms. Hudson received her formal training with Susan Dunn at Duke University and at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. She earned awards for music at both schools, including a Peabody Career Development Grant.

This master class, which focused on the performance of African American spirituals, was presented in association with the Department of African and African American Studies at Duke.