IN MEMORY of Paul Sperry
It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Paul Sperry, tenor, champion of art song, and cherished member of the Sparks & Wiry Cries board of directors. Below is a statement from Kayo Iwama, chair of the board.
The board of Sparks & Wiry Cries mourns the loss of Paul Sperry, singing artist, educator, and mentor. As one of our first board members, and serving as president for many years, he led with insightful guidance and profound knowledge of art song and the musical world at large. He honored the history of American song by bringing a curiosity, keen intelligence and discerning ear to neglected and forgotten repertoire, as evidenced by his many concert performances, one-of-a-kind recordings and publications of art song collections. He nurtured the future of American song by advocating for living poets and composers, as well as the hundreds of young artists whom he mentored and taught in master classes, summer festivals and conservatory programs.
He believed deeply in the mission of Sparks, and in the talents and creativity of the founders and artistic directors, Martha Guth and Erika Switzer. We are indebted to Paul’s service to the organization, and will honor and remember him by doing our part to sustain and nurture his important legacy – that of a life devoted to song, to family, and to love.
Kayo Iwama
June 16, 2024
