Mark S. Doss wins Planet Africa's 2011 Entertainment Award

Grammy Award-winning singer honoured for accomplishments in the performing arts and as a positive youth role model; will receive award, perform at October 22nd gala in Toronto

TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Mark S. Doss, international opera star and Grammy Award winner, is the recipient of Planet Africa's 2011 Entertainment Award.  Mr. Doss is being recognized for his many achievements over a successful career spanning more than 25 years and as a positive role model for youths. The prestigious awards program celebrates national and international leadership and excellence of Black Canadian and African-American professionals from a diverse range of careers, industries, and fields.

"It is an honour to be the recipient of this award and to be recognized as a positive role model," said Mr. Doss. "Growing up, I wanted to be a priest because I looked up to them, so I am thrilled that I can inspire youths in a similar fashion. I enjoy mentoring young men and women - encouraging them to follow their dreams, reach their full potential, and to reach for new heights."

Mr. Doss will receive the Entertainment Award on Saturday, October 22, 2011, during the Planet Africa Ceremony at Roy Thomson Hall. A televised version of the awards program will be broadcast November 5, 2011 on OMNI 1 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

The highly accomplished bass-baritone is also a headline performer at the gala.  Mr. Doss will sing Ol' Man River from Showboat, highlighting his wide vocal range and rich, enchanting tone.

Appreciative of his tremendous success, Mr. Doss always finds time to share with the communities in which he lives and works, presenting master classes and teaching apprentice artists. He also donates his time and talents to fundraising concerts for churches and opera companies.

Mr. Doss is currently starring as Thoas in the Canadian Opera Company's production of Iphigenia in Tauris (Iphigénie en Tauride). Upcoming performances in 2012 and 2013 include Amonasro (Aida) with Opera Tampa, the Title Role in The Flying Dutchman with Teatro Regio Torino in Turin, Italy, and the Four Villains (The Tales of Hoffman) with the New National Theatre Opera Company in Tokyo, Japan.

Contact Planet Africa (416-247-5777) or Roy Thomson Hall (416-872-4255) for ticket information.

You can connect with Mark S. Doss through his Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mark-S-Doss/78423203990) or follow him @marksdoss on Twitter (http://twitter.com/marksdoss).

ABOUT MARK S. DOSS:

Mark S. Doss is a celebrated bass-baritone whose accomplishments include a Grammy Award (1993) for his work on the recording of Semele (Handel), and numerous engagements with the famous Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy.  Mr. Doss began his musical studies to aid in his ambitions to become a Catholic priest, but instead found opera to be his true calling. He has since emerged as one of the opera world's leading singers.

When he is not touring the world, Mr. Doss divides his time between his home in Toronto, Canada and his Pennsylvania residence.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
Adam Bello
Publicity office for Mark S. Doss
+ 1 (416) 489-0092
media@msdoss.com

NORTH AMERICAN AGENT FOR MARK S. DOSS:
Nick Netos
Alpha Artists
+1 (212) 397-7921
alphaartists@pinnaclearts.com

SOURCE Mark S. Doss