Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 11, 1990                   TAG: 9005110097
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

OPERA STAR TO APPEAR IN NATIVE WYTHEVILLE

He and his wife, Alteouise DeVaughn, will perform Sunday at 7 p.m. at George Wythe High School in a program including selections from Bizet's Carmen, Masagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, Verdi and spirituals.

Austin will be the commencement speaker Tuesday for Wytheville Community College's outdoor graduation ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on campus (or at George Wythe at 7:30 p.m. in case of rain). Degrees, certificates or diplomas will go to about 260 people.

The couple's performance Sunday is sponsored by the Wythe County Bicentennial Committee and coordinated by the Wytheville Community College Minorities Club. There is no charge to attend, but donations will be accepted to offset expenses.

Although Austin had enjoyed singing while growing up in Wytheville, his formal training started at Emory & Henry College in the early 1970s. He then attended the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia and became artist-in-residence at Julliard's American Opera Center in New York.

In 1985, he received a contract with the Stuttgart Opera House in Germany, where he currently performs while traveling to other countries for guest performances.

- Southwest bureau