Robert Sims baritone

Robert Lewis Sims, a lyric baritone born in Chicago, Illinois, is renowned for his performances of African-American folk songs and spirituals, characterized by his rich tone and dynamic stage presence. He achieved prominence after winning the Gold Medal at the American Traditions Competition in 1999. In 2005, he became the first artist to present an all-spiritual and folk song recital at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall. Sims has collaborated with notable figures such as Jessye Norman, Odetta, George Shirley, William Warfield, Simon Estes, Benjamin Matthews, Jubilant Sykes, the Georgia Guitar Quartet, David Baker, Mercedes Ellington, and Leonard Bernstein.

Sims holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Binghamton University, Northwestern University, and the American Conservatory of Music. He has also trained at the Music Academy of the West, Chautauqua Musical Institute, and the Oberlin/Urbania Vocal Institute in Italy. His achievements include the Lyric Opera of Chicago Education Award (1982), the Friedrich Schorr Opera Award (1993), and founding Canti Classics Artist Management with Everton Swearingen and Arthur White in 1998. He also co-founded Three Generations, a vocal trio with Benjamin Matthews and William Warfield, in 1999. Sims has appeared on PBS Television’s “He’s Got Spirit” Art Beat Chicago and performed at the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in January 2011 and 2019.