Everett McCorvey to be Honored at UK Libraries Spring Gala

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 23, 2018) — The 2018 University of Kentucky Libraries Spring Gala will recognize this year's recipient of the UK Libraries Medallion for Intellectual Achievement, Director of UK Opera Theatre Everett McCorvey. The gala, presented by the UK Libraries National Advisory Board, will begin 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, in the William T. Young Library on UK's campus.

Though his roots are in Montgomery, Alabama, and he holds degrees from the University of Alabama, Everett McCorvey has been a powerhouse in the Kentucky and national arts scene for more than 25 years. A professor of voice and the OperaLex Endowed Chair in Opera Studies, McCorvey serves as UK School of Music’s director and executive producer of the critically-acclaimed UK Opera Theatre. Beyond UK, as a tenor soloist, he has enjoyed personal critical acclaim and has performed in many prestigious venues around the globe, including the Kennedy Center, Radio City Music Hall, the Metropolitan Opera and Italy's Teatro Communale.

McCorvey also established, directs, and tours nationally and internationally with the American Spiritual Ensemble and is the artistic director of the National Chorale, a professional choral organization that presents an annual choral-orchestral series at Lincoln Center in New York. Many Kentuckians will remember his work as the executive producer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the largest equestrian event in the history of the United States. McCorvey is also vice-chair of the Kentucky Arts Council for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The UK Libraries Medallion for Intellectual Achievement recipient is selected for this prestigious award by majority vote of the UK Libraries National Advisory Board. The award was created in 1990 to recognize Kentuckians who have shown exceptional intellectual achievement and contributed to the lasting value of the Commonwealth. The award also promotes education and creative thought.

The UK Libraries Spring Gala award presentations will begin 6 p.m. A reception will follow with cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Tickets for the gala are $25; Individuals should RSVP by May 4 to Amanda Jewell at awjewe2@email.uky.edu, if they plan to attend. Payment should be sent in advance via check or brought in person to the dean's office of UK Libraries. Tickets will not be sold at the door.