Fullerton
California State University, Fullerton alumna Deborah Voigt is increasingly recognized as one of the world’s most versatile singers and one of music’s most endearing personalities.
Through her performances and television appearances, she is known for the singular power and beauty of her voice, as well as for her captivating stage presence. Having made her name as a leading dramatic soprano, she is internationally revered for her performances in the operas of Wagner, Strauss, and more, and is also an active recitalist and performer of Broadway standards and popular songs.
Ms. Voigt has an extensive discography that includes solo albums -- All My Heart, named one of the “Best of the Year” by Opera News, and the Billboard bestseller Obsession – and Deutsche Grammophon’s Grammy Award-winning Blu-ray set featuring her Brünnhilde in Robert Lepage’s visionary Metropolitan Opera “Ring” cycle. She has performed in world class venues regularly as both a performer and host in the Met’s “Live in HD” series. Lastly, she is the author of the autobiography, Call Me Debbie: True Confessions of a Down-to-Earth Diva.
Her numerous honors include first prizes in Moscow’s International Tchaikovsky Competition and Philadelphia’s Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition. A Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, she was Musical America’s Vocalist of the Year 2003, won a 2007 Opera News Award for distinguished achievement, and has received Honorary Doctorates from Smith College and the University of South Carolina.
Ms. Voigt undoubtedly understands the value that alumni provide to the University. She continuously gives of her time, treasure and talent often returning to perform and meet with students. In January 2006, when the University opened the Clayes Performing Arts Center and Meng Hall, Ms. Voigt was the lead alumna featured at the gala concert. She offered master classes for students in the School of Music and helped dedicate the School of Music. In recognition of her exemplary career and dedication to the University, she was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2006 and the inaugural Titan of Music Award for her work on the Metropolitan Opera’s “Live in HD” series in 2015.
In recognition of her extraordinary professional accomplishments, commitment to the university and higher education, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Fullerton are proud to confer upon Deborah Voigt the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.