Although he is a brightly shining rising star in the Opera world, it was a gospel song that gave Key’mon W. Murrah the strength to stay the course toward his destiny.
In the middle of the winter in his native Kentucky, his car broke down. He had to rely on public transportation for his daily commute to a call center job.
“During that time, I was really low,” Murrah said. “I was listening to ‘Change Me’ by Tamela Mann. On that bus ride and while walking to work, I was singing that song over and over again. I prayed to God and said – I don’t want to live like this anymore. I want to live like I know I should.”
“Being a Black opera singer – especially a Black male opera singer – it is very important for me to set an example for those coming behind me,” Murrah said. “That also comes with the responsibility of making sure what I do is at a high level – all the time.”
From that moment to this one, Murrah says the blessings have been flowing in his life – particularly as one of the handful of Black countertenors within the world of opera.
“I asked God when I started that if I could do this, I wanted to be an encouraging force within the world of opera,” Murrah said. “And by me trying to stick to that to the best of my ability, I believe that I have had His grace this whole time.”
St. Louis audiences have the opportunity to be encouraged and inspired by his performance as Ptolemy in the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis production of “Julius Caesar,” which runs through June 28 at The Loretto-Hilton.
The role has a special place in his heart in that his portrayal of the villainous real-life historical figure was his first professional opportunity as an opera singer.
“It’s so fun to play him because he is totally opposite of who I am as a person,” Murrah said. “And to do it all over again seems like a full circle moment – I’m just so excited to be here.”
When he steps onstage in “Julius Caesar,” he brings the presence required for a delightfully evil genius who makes it fun to watch the protagonist rally against. And when he opens his mouth to sing, he stuns with his effortless high notes that ascend within pure soprano range.
“Being a Black opera singer – especially a Black male opera singer – it is very important for me to set an example for those coming behind me,” Murrah said. “That also comes with the responsibility of making sure what I do is at a high level – all the time.”
He does exactly that. So, it was no surprise that he was selected as the 2024 recipient of the Marian Anderson Vocal Award – well except to him.
“I was in my apartment in Lexington, Kentucky, and I thought it was a joke,” Murrah said. “I’ve only been singing professionally for about four years. Surely, they are not telling me that I have won this.”
Then he noticed the email was from Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the Washington National Opera.
“I screamed for about 30 minutes straight,” Murrah said. “I was in such disbelief – and so happy and so excited. I called my parents, my brother, my music father, my teacher and everyone that was important to me.”
Presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Washington National Opera – whose current General Director is former Opera Theatre of Saint Louis General Director Timothy O’Leary – The Marian Anderson Vocal Award is reserved for the best and brightest among emerging opera stars. Some of the past winners include Will Liverman and Denyce Graves – who have also graced the OTSL stage – and J’Nai Bridges.
As this year’s winner, Murrah will perform a special recital at the Washington National Opera this winter. This year also marks Murrah’s debut at the Metropolitan Opera House.
“I came in not expecting to be singing at The Met,” Murrah said. “So having my Met debut within five years of me starting as a countertenor is a really a big deal.”
He feels that the opera world is rapidly changing for the better.
“Inclusivity seems to be a really big deal to all of the major opera companies,” Murrah said.
He is especially grateful to God for the opportunities that have been flowing in for him.
“It’s a whirlwind – and sometimes very stressful,” Murrah said. “But I have never been happier or more content.”
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ production of “Julius Caesar” continues through June 28th at the Loretto-Hilton on the campus of Webster University. For tickets and/or additional information, visit https://opera-stl.org/