Board / Executive Board

Carolyn Black-Sotir is a versatile artist performing in and directing opera, oratorio, recital, musical theatre, and cabaret. The Philadelphia Inquirer characterizes her as “brilliant, shining, expressive, and confident,” while the Baltimore Sun describes her as“a wonderful singer, with beautiful tone and excellent diction; her portrayal is spontaneous and superbly characterized.”

As guest artist, locally she has sung with the Annapolis, Maryland, and Lancaster Symphonies. She is in demand on the university and concert circuits presenting programs ranging from the lieder of Alban Berg to the songs of Irving Berlin. Her hallmark is her innovative and collaborative programming.

Carolyn works as a producer and director of opera and musical theatre. Most recently, she produced a new work in collaboration with Center Stage: Shadowboxer, an American opera about boxing legend Joe Louis. As an educator, Carolyn is a member of the Voice Faculty at Morgan State University. She is also in demand as a clinician conducting numerous master classes and workshops for young singers. She maintains a private voice studio as well.

Carolyn’s commitment to the arts is illustrated in numerous advocacy efforts. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences. She hosts two arts television programs--Kaleidoscope and smARTs--as well as numerous PBS specials. Recently, she wrote, co-edited, and co-produced a special on American Opera composer Dominick Argento, which aired on Minnesota Public Television.

Dr. Black-Sotir is a magna cum laude graduate of Eastman School of Music with Bachelor and Master Music degrees in Vocal Performance. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice Performance with a special concentration in Directing from University of Maryland.

Carolyn and her husband Michael have three sons and live at Silo Hill, located in the picturesque farmland of Baltimore County.