Barbara Smith Conrad

Barbara Smith Conrad (August 11, 1937 – May 22, 2017) was an American opera singer. A mezzo-soprano, she performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, Teatro Nacional in Venezuela, and many others. She was also an educator, co-directing the Wagner Theater Program, which she co-founded, and maintaining a private studio as well as taking up multiple artist residencies.

Conrad received national attention when, in 1957, her work as a student performer became central in a racial controversy. Cast in a role opposite a white performer, the African-American Conrad was removed from the role at The University of Texas at Austin as a result of pressure on school administration from the Texas Legislature.

Conrad's life has been depicted in the film When I Rise (2011).

Early years Born Barbara Louise Smith, the youngest of five children, she was raised in Center Point near Pittsburg, Texas. She was interested in music from early childhood, performing with her siblings in their Baptist church. She adopted her father's first name, Conrad, as her stage name when she joined the Equity entertainment labor union because another Barbara Smith was already registered. On June 11, 2017, Conrad was buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.

Legacy As part of his tribute to Conrad, University of Texas at Austin President Gregory L. Fenves stated that “Barbara Conrad was a trailblazer — from her Precursor days at UT in 1956 and throughout her distinguished opera career,” and that "Her accomplishments and tenacity represent an important chapter in the university’s history. We will miss her talents and presence on the Forty Acres and beyond."

When I Rise Conrad is the focus of the feature-length documentary When I Rise, produced by James Moll and Michael Rosen and directed by Mat Hames. Don Carleton, executive director of UT Austin's Briscoe Center for American History, was the film's executive producer. The documentary was aired on PBS in 2011.

Festivals: WORLD PREMIERE: South by Southwest Film Festival, Austin, Texas (March 2010) Dallas International Film Festival, Dallas, Texas (April 2010) Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Toronto, Canada (May 2010) Indianapolis International Film Festival (July 2010) New York City International Film Festival (August 2010) New Orleans Film Festival (October 2010) Starz Denver Film Festival (November 2010) Santa Barbara International Film Festival (January 2011) San Diego Black Film Festival (January 2011)

Awards and nominations: Winner: Audience Award Feature - Indianapolis International Film Festival Winner: Black Expressions Award - Indianapolis International Film Festival Nominee: Music Documentary Award – International Documentary Awards (IDA) Winner: Social Justice Award for Documentary Film - The Fund for Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

Awards and honors

1985: Distinguished Alumnus Award - The Ex-Students' Association of The University of Texas 2011: Texas Medal of Arts Awards – Lifetime Achievement 2013: Life Time Achievement Award, National Black History Month in Palm Springs, CA.