Biography: Gwendolyn Brown
Gwendolyn Brown
Contralto Gwendolyn Brown’s extraordinary versatility in operatic performances in traditional, 20th century, American Art Song, Negro Spiritual, and avant-garde settings has earned her many superlatives: “...astonishing range and timbre, a stern voice of certainty” (Huddersfield Examiner); “a transfixing force of nature” (Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times); “an overwhelming power” (Tageszeitung, Berlin). Ms. Brown’s performances of lead characters she created for George Lewis’ opera Afterword (2015) and his monodrama "Song of The Shank" (2023) with the Ensemble Modern were met with critical acclaim, as well as her creation of the lead role of Marie Laveau in Anne LeBaron’s "Crescent City" (2012) for Los Angeles’ The Industry. "Afterword: AACM (as) Opera," recently released by New Focus Recordings in 2023.
Ms. Brown has performed with opera companies and orchestras throughout the United States and overseas and has been lauded for her interpretation of such character roles as the Principessa in Suor Angelica, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, Erda in Das Rheingold, and her signature role of Maria in Porgy and Bess.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Ms. Brown studied music at the University of Memphis, the American Conservatory of Music, and Fisk University, where she is now an Assistant Professor of Music. She participated in the young artist programs of Des Moines Metro Opera and the Lyric Opera of Chicago Center for American Artists.
Education:
B.A., Mus Fisk University
M.Mus., in Vocal Performance, University of Memphis (Partial Studies), completed at American Conservatory of Music
Doctor of Musical Arts - American Conservatory of Music - in progress
Young Artist Programs
The Ryan Opera Center - Lyric Opera of Chicago
Des Moines Opera Young Artist Program