Lauded for his moving interpretations of African American spirituals, Gold Medal winner of the American Traditions Competition, Robert L. Sims has been hailed by critics for his rich tone, energetic performances, and convincing stage presence. Sims premiered the spiritual suite, I'm a Soldier, for baritone and orchestra composed for him by Lena McLin and orchestrated with Jan Bach. The work debuted with the Savannah Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Chelsea Tipton. An alumnus of Oberlin Conservatory, SUNY Binghamton, Northwestern University, and Music Academy of the West, he has toured nationally in the ensemble Three Generations, a celebration of American spirituals and folk songs with renowned artists George Shirley, the late William Warfield and Benjamin Matthews. Recently, he debuted with Simon Estes and Jubilant Sykes in the trio Simon, Sykes & Sims, singing spirituals and American songs. Sims recently made his recital debut at Carnegie Hall, and has performed in concert at Lincoln Center in New York, the Smithsonian Institution, the Los Angeles African American Museum, Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, the Chicago Historical Society, the Latour de France International Music Festival in France, and the celebrated American Church in Paris.
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