News
Tech to host lyric soprano and disability advocate Ju Hyeon Han
Center Stage presents Ju Hyeon Han, lyric soprano and disability advocate, in a performance, “Diverse Voices,” and two presentations, “Success Without Barriers,” at Tennessee Tech University Nov. 9 and 10.
South Korean born and New Zealand raised, Han has long pursued her passions for music and serving as a voice for the disabled community. After receiving her bachelor's degree in vocal performance from the University of Auckland she came to the U.S. to further study vocal performance.
Han’s first event, on Nov. 9 is a solo recital performance. Han was once quoted as saying that she wanted to make music her life. She has done just that as she teaches vocal lessons at William Patterson University in New Jersey and continues to perform as a recitalist.
As the first recorded blind soprano to hold a lead role in a fully staged opera, Han speaks out for the disabled community. Aside from singing works by underrepresented composers in her performance on Nov. 9, she will be giving two presentations on Nov. 10 about disability inclusion in higher education.
“Accessibility for the disabled is something the university should be fully aware of to make a better environment for student and faculty workers,” Christopher Reames, campus host for the events, said.
In these presentations, Han will discuss her own journey as a member of the disabled community, the many ways people and institutions can support accessibility needs, the hiring process as it relates to those with disabilities and will conclude them with Q&A sessions.
In addition to these events, Han will be working closely with the school of music, holding private lessons with music students looking to improve in various areas, speaking to music students and faculty about her life and career, and lecturing on music education.
The solo performance will take place on Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Wattenbarger Auditorium, and presentations on disability and inclusion on Nov. 10, one at 11 a.m. at the Backdoor Playhouse and the other at 7:30 p.m. in the Derryberry Auditorium.
Admission to Center Stage events is free, unless otherwise noted. The events are paid for by student fees and open to the public with priority seating given to students. Many guests provide additional educational opportunities for students through workshops or master classes during their residencies. Email or call Liz Kassera, center stage coordinator, for more information at lkassera@tentech.edu or (931) 372-3637.
More about Han can be found on her website along with several recordings of her work at http://www.juhyeonhan.com/index.html.
