norman performed at the 1996 summer olympics opening ceremony in atlanta, singing "faster, higher, stronger". in january 1997 she performed at the second inauguration of u.s. president bill clinton. norman's 1998–99 performances included a recital at carnegie hall in new york city, which had an unusual program incorporating the sacred music of duke ellington, scored for jazz combo, string quartet and piano, and featuring the alvin ailey repertory dance ensemble. other performances during the season included mahler's "das lied von der erde", with seiji ozawa and the boston symphony orchestra, a television special for christmas filmed in her home town of augusta, georgia, as well as a spring recital tour, which included performances in tel aviv. the following season also brought performances of the sacred music of duke ellington to london and vienna, together with a summer european tour, which included performances at the salzburg festival.