Music Program Alumna Devony Smith ('12) Receives Grammy Nomination for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
Seaver College alumna Devony Smith has received a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Classical Solo Vocal Album for her debut album, In This Short Life. Recognized alongside pianist Danny Zelibor and cellist Michael Nicolas, Smith’s mezzo-soprano voice enlivens an all-American program of originally composed art songs, each setting poetry to music for classical voice and piano.
Released on June 13 with Lexicon Classics, the album’s track list sonically cascades through themes of love and loss—capturing the ephemeral beauty of existence. Through sensitive interpretations of a range of poetic voices—from Tennesse Williams to Maya Angelou—Smith expressed that she hopes to illuminate humanity's shared experiences while compelling listeners, as they move through life, to reflect on their greater purpose.
“Pepperdine’s liberal arts foundation taught me to think expansively and curiously, inspiring the wide range of literary voices and musical influences that shape In This Short Life,” says Smith. “This album speaks to what excites us about contemporary music: its emotional power, its urgency, and its ability to unify. We are in immense gratitude for this Recording Academy recognition, as it celebrates the relevance of American art song.”
Literary Roots
In This Short Life presents newly commissioned musical settings of poetry by notable figures of the American literary canon. Featuring both Grammy-winning and newcoming composers, Smith explains this collaboration is the result of years of workshopping new music. And following close correspondence with the Anne Spencer's estate, the album marks the first-ever musical adaptation of the Harlem Renaissance poet's work.
Receiving its namesake from Emily Dickinson’s poem “In this short life that only lasts an hour,” the album’s closing track follows en suite, and is composed of Dickinson’s aforementioned poem along with “Forever – is composed of Nows –.”
Danny Zelibor (left), Devony Smith (right)
“Once we included the Dickinson song by my friend Benjamin Perry Wenzelberg, this unifying theme jumped out at us,” Smith reflects, “and a beautiful narrative unfolded.”
Anchored in Smith’s and Zelibor’s shared gospel background, In This Short Life weaves together a swath of American musical genres extending into folk and jazz, all performed in classical vocal technique. “Sew My True Love (Jubilee),” the album’s opening song, is set to Appalachian folk verses compiled by Jean Ritchie—a figure often deemed the “Mother of Folk.”
“The repertoire on the album is very much a representation of the composers that we have worked with,” Smith explains, “along with literary figures who have inspired us.”
“The Racer’s Widow,” a five-part piece whose movements feature texts by Nobel Laureate Louise Glück, among others, was developed by established composer Mark Adamo. “This set carries special significance,” Smith shares, “since I first met Mark years ago as a Pepperdine student.”
A Lasting Pepperdine Partnership
With a curious mind and heart for the fine arts, as a Pepperdine undergraduate, Smith enrolled in every class she could fit in her schedule. Smith was encouraged by faculty to take classes ranging from classic literature and anatomy to acting role development and conducting—a course taught by Ryan Board, professor of music and conducting.
“Devony’s success is no surprise,” says Board. “Along with a remarkable voice that could sing in a number of styles, she is so bright and ahead of her time. I remember vividly that Devony was one among just a handful of students that I, as a teacher, would go to for information, guidance, or support.”
Smith starring in Little Women (right)
While pursuing her degree in vocal performance, Smith involved herself in a number of theatre productions, one of which—a 2011 student opera of Little Women, introduced her to Adamo, the production’s composer. To serve as a hands-on contributor to the production’s artistic direction, the University invited Adamo to the Malibu campus. Here, he advised student leads, including Smith, who starred as Meg March.
After a postgraduate move to New York, Smith reconnected with Adamo. Though catching sight of him across dinner tables at New York parties—“I’m not sure if he initially recognized me,” she says—Smith didn’t fully reunite with the notable composer until the making of In This Short Life. After mustering enough courage, Smith admits, she and Zelibor asked Adamo if they could record his work “The Racer’s Widow”—and he agreed.
“Performing Mark’s work alongside him at Pepperdine set a spark in me. I wanted to make a career out of music,” Smith shares. “I just love how it’s all come full circle, and Mark is one of the album’s biggest supporters. We wouldn’t have this Grammy nod without his support.”
Adamo continues to champion Smith’s work, even hosting In This Short Life’s listening party in June. From concerts at Carnegie Hall to title roles in the operatic canon, Smith’s career remains on the uptick as she still recalls her serendipitous first meeting with Adamo on the Little Women set at Pepperdine. Smith now considers Adamo a “true supporter and dear friend.”
“The music faculty of Pepperdine's Fine Arts Division are very proud of Devony’s Grammy-nominated artistry,” says N. Lincoln Hanks, Seaver College divisional dean of fine arts. “Devony's career, from being a catalyst for setting Anne Spencer's poetry to her thriving work on the world stage, proves how a nurturing environment prepares students not just to meet opportunities, but to create their own.”