About this Artist

Recently, GWENDOLYN BROWN (Maria) lent her voice to the character of the great Marian Anderson for Soul of the Game, an HBO Productions movie. It is a fitting match, for this young singer possesses a true contralto instrument showing much the same rare quality as that of the late legendary star. Her voice is luminously rich in its dark lower tones, and continues to shimmer glowingly as Brown moves throughout her range. In the 2006/07 she made her debut with Tulsa Opera as Maria in Porgy and Bess, a role she also performed on tour in Europe.

Brown pursued a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance at the former Memphis State University (University of Memphis), where she received critical acclaim for her performances with the Memphis State University Opera Theater as Baba in The Medium and The Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors. She later earned the rank of Regional Winner with the Metropolitan Opera Council in Memphis and distinguished herself as a Finalist in the Central Region in Chicago.

Brown was placed as a semi-finalist for the New York Oratorio Society Solo Auditions and also won Third Place, Artists Division at the Classical Singer Magazine Competition. This competition gave her the official certification of Certified Classical Singer with the organization. She recently received Third Place honors at the 2006 National Opera Association Vocal Competition.

Brown began her quest to enter the ranks of professional opera when she was accepted for resident studies with the Lyric Opera Center for Young American Artists in Chicago. Having understudied several primary roles with Chicago Lyric Opera, she also has sung a number of supporting roles with the company.

Brown’s repertoire is richly diverse and strong. With the surety of a great voice and much solid preparation behind her, she is set for her imminent launch as a principal artist in opera houses worldwide. Success is truly in her grasp, as she has achieved critical acclaim at the Yachats Music Festival in Oregon sponsored by Four Seasons Concerts. Already she wins the hearts of audiences everywhere through routinely superb performances in opera, oratorio, and recital concerts.