This singer/master storyteller/educator is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. John D. Bussey of Washington D.C. Holding degrees in Vocal Music and Education from University of Maryland, College Park, Victoria sang with the Washington Opera Society, based at the Kennedy Center. She completed her Master’s in Education, specialty in integrating the arts in curriculum, at Lesley Univ., Cambridge, MA. She has toured with the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers in Europe, Asia, South and Central America. She has also toured with the Spirit Chorale of Los Angeles. Both ensembles preserve authenticity and respect for African American music known as the “Negro Spiritual.” She currently tours as a soloist and master storyteller/folklorist in a variety of settings throughout the world.
Her accomplishments include featured artist at the Kennedy Center, the role of Bess and Serena from the opera Porgy and Bess in concertized version with the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, and a European debut tour with the Pacific Symphony of Orange County, CA, and most recently with the Southeast Symphony at Disney Hall in Los Angeles.
During a battle with breast cancer, Victoria felt God’s leading to broaden her ministry in storytelling. She says, “When God healed me, He placed a story in my heart about His grace, His mercy and His faithfulness.” She began sharing her personal stories of God’s healing power. She is still sharing that story after being given a death date some 24 years ago!
Victoria has been a storyteller in residence and featured teller at the “International Storytelling Network Festival” in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Ms. Burnett has shared her “Stories that Sing” presentation in over 10,000 schools, libraries and corporate events. Her participation in an “MVTV” cable storytime theater presentation earned her a Telly award for outstanding educational children’s programming.
Ms. Burnett has been a resident storyteller for the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the California African American Museum and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C.
Victoria is most grateful for a loving family, a wonderful son, Brandon, good health and the privilege to serve her Savior through music and stories. She often says, “Even though my journey has not always been easy, I’m grateful that God has proven to be faithful to me. He is the Author and the Finisher of my faith.
JOIN US NOV. 23 at 10:30 am IN THE SANCTUARY TO HEAR THIS TALENTED AND VERSATILE MASTER SINGER/STORYTELLER!