Kathleen Deanna Battle is one of the world’s finest sopranos. Born on 13th August 1948 in Portsmouth, Ohio, Kathleen is the youngest of 7 children. She studied with Franklin Bens and received both her bachelor’s (1970) and masters (1971) degrees from the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. Whilst Kathleen was awarded a scholarship, she decided to major in music education rather than risk a performance career, and so in 1971 she set out to teach music to Cincinnati’s inner-city youth. Kathleen soon attracted the attention of American conductor Thomas Schippers of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. In 1971 Schippers arranged for and conducted her professional debut, at the prestigious music festival of Spoleto, in Italy, where she sang the “German Requiem” by German composer Brahms. Today, her repertoire embraces sacred music, jazz and spirituals making her a five time Grammy winner and a sought after recital soloist. Notorious for being difficult to work with, Kathleen’s outstanding ability has meant that she is the recipient of six honorary doctorates and in 1999 was inducted into the NAACP Image Hall of Fame.   

CD's by Battle include:

• Classic Battle: A Portrait
• The Best of Kathleen Battle
• Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
• Spirituals in Concert
• Battle at Carnegie Hall

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