Dr. Gary Burgess, director of the Bermuda Philharmonic Society orchestra and chorus, has been selected by the National Opera Association (NOA) to receive its prestigious Legacy Award for 2003.

The NOA Legacy Award honours singers of African heritage who have enjoyed significant careers in opera, and when Dr. Burgess accepts his, he will join some of the most illustrious names in the genre who have been similarly honoured. They include Grace Bumbry, Martina Arroyo, Riri Grist, Martha Flowers, Adele Addison, George Shirley, Todd Duncan and William Warfield.

The NOA is one of two main opera associations, the other being the American Opera Association (AOA). Although based in America, the NOA is a highly regarded international organisation encompassing Europe and Australia. Dr. Burgess has been similarly honoured by the AOA.

Pior to returning to Bermuda, where he is now programme co-ordinator at the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Bermudian tenor enjoyed a long and highly successful career as a singer/soloist, recording artist, conductor and director in the United States and Europe, where he performed with major opera companies, festivals and orchestras. For 22 years he was also professor of voice and opera at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Dr. Burgess' tenor voice has long delighted local audiences with his performances, and although officially retired as a singer, still makes occasional concert appearances.

Dr. Burgess will receive his NOA Legacy Award in a special ceremony on January 18, 2003 in Washington, D.C.