In the summer of 2006 I had the great opportunity to study at the Mozarteum in Salzburg due to the generosity of the Austrian American Society (of Wilmington, DE).  There I met and worked with Canadian soprano Edith Wiens with whom I had a fantastic experience, and she invited me to study with her in Germany once I finished grad school in Texas. I will also study the performance of African American spirituals with renowned American singer Grace Bumbry who now lives in Salzburg.  This work will allow me to further develop my demonstration recital, "Let it Shine", which brings spirituals and their messages to audiences of all backgrounds.  It was Marie Robinson in the Department of Music who first encouraged me to pursue my interest in this repertoire.  And speaking of  UD faculty, Devon Miller-Duggan encouraged me to apply for the Fulbright.  Without her, I'd still be thinking, "How am I going to pay for all this?"  I am honored that my grant is affiliated with Delaware (I applied Delaware At-Large as opposed to applying through University of North Texas) not only because Delaware is my home, but also because Delaware (the state and the University) has provided me with so many amazing opportunities.  Many, many thanks! 

Visit Gus at: www.augustinemercante.com