Damian Norfleet
Interdisciplinary Performing Artist
As an interdisciplinary performing artist, I create pieces that exist at the intersection of contemporary classical music, new music, improvisation, spoken word, and theater. My output focuses on the human condition and inter-communal relationships—with an awareness of shared space, my work seeks to uncover epiphanic moments and prolong them into empathetic experiences.
I am fascinated by phonology, cosmology, and mathematics; mythological cosmologies and algebra are oft-employed in my work.
Decennium of Highlights
2022: Studio session with twelve time Grammy Award-winning producer Judith Sherman to record my piece for solo voice Kendi's Secret.
2021: Collaboration with Courtney Bryan, Tiona Nekkia McClodden, Janinah Burnett & Rob Kaplowitz as part of Opera Philadelphia's Digital Commission Series.
2020: Reparations Now! concert at the Center West in NYC with Ensemble Pi featuring commissions and premieres from composers Allison Loggins-Hull, Angélica Négron, Courtney Bryan, Trevor Weston, and Damian Norfleet.
2019: Guest star appearance on the third season of the hit CBS television show Bull.
2018: Performance in composer David Lang's Mile-Long Opera on the High Line in New York City.
2017: Composer Dr. Nkeiru Okoye wrote the monodrama Invitation to a Die-In for Damian Norfleet and the Mount Holyoke Orchestra. The piece officially premiered in Mount Holyoke, but also toured the Chicago metro area.
2016: Principal actor in the world premier of the play Nix as part of the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity in NYC. Damian was awarded Best Actor in a Musical for his performance.
2015: Principal actor in the world premier of the play Little Rock at the Passage Theatre company. The cast received a 2015 Barrymore Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Play.
2014: Principal actor in the experimental opera Makandal as part of the Works & Process Series at the Guggenheim Museum, NYC
2013: Principal actor in the world premier and recording of Paula Kimper's contemporary opera Truth.
2012: Principal actor in the Drama Desk Award nominated production of The Threepenny Opera.