Myrtle Elizabeth Mack Dutton

Myrtle Elizabeth Mack-Dutton, oldest daughter of three, passed away suddenly, a day after her youngest sibling, Doris Irene Gray, died from a brief illness.Born in Seneca, South Carolina, to the late Reverend Silas James Mack and Lelia (Coleman) Mack, Myrtle Elizabeth Mack became involved with the church at an early age, playing the piano for her father. During high school, as her voice developed and as her love for the Lord matured, she actively participated in the music ministry of her father’s church. In addition, Myrtle spent her life as a professional musician and teacher. It was not until Myrtle was a student at Western Senior High School in Baltimore, that her vocal talent was fully recognized. Her vocal education included graduate and undergraduate work at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, receiving her Masters in Music Education. Honors at Peabody included the Conservatory’s Scholarship for Graduate Study, Etude Octet Scholarship for Graduate Study, Azalia H. Thomas Prize, and Vocal Proficiency Award.During her marriage, Myrtle lived in Guam and Spain, traveled to numerous European cities where she expanded her training as professional singer. She enjoyed private study with Maestro Gino Campesi of Naples, and with the “grand dame” of Baltimore opera, Elsa Baklor, coloratura soprano. In addition, she studied the Spanish Art Song with Conchita Badia of Barcelona, Spain.Myrtle Mack-Dutton sang in the premiere performance of the late William Grant Still’s song cycle “From the Hearts of Women” at Morgan State University. This song cycle was presented by the eminent composer to Mrs. Dutton. She has also performed as a soloist with the Baltimore Symphony Chamber Orchestra in Vivaldi’s “Gloria” with Eliot Galkin conducting, and in the Baltimore premiere performance of the unpublished Haydn Mass at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. She was a member and soloist with the International Quartet in Madrid, Spain and at the height of her career; she performed on average, 15 benefit concerts and recitals for cultural institutions in African-American communities.After having her only child, Montserrat Eva Dutton, Myrtle reduced her performing schedule dramatically, taught privately and worked as a church musical director. Although classically trained in the operatic style, she always returned to her original musical heritage; songs of God, oratorios and traditional spirituals. Myrtle was brought up in the church, so it is no surprise that her love for the songs of God were always predominant in her life. In the midst of planning the music for her sister, Doris Gray’s homegoing services, God called Myrtle home.Myrtle leaves to mourn her loss: her daughter, Montserrat Eva Dutton, Cousin Calperta Cann, Goddaughter, Nina Howard, nieces and nephews, and a host of close friends.AcknowledgementsSometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. --Albert Schweitzer

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Myrtle Elizabeth Mack Dutton

August 16, 1940 - May 10, 2008