Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

William Brown was born on October 6, 1947, in Texarkana, Texas. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a singer. Brown began singing in church at a young age and later joined the choir at his high school. He went on to attend Texas Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. After completing his undergraduate studies, Brown moved to New York City to pursue a career in opera. He studied at the Juilliard School and later at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree. Brown made his professional debut in 1976 with the New York City Opera, singing the role of Sportin' Life in George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." Throughout his career, Brown performed with many of the world's leading opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. He was known for his powerful voice and his ability to bring depth and emotion to his performances. One of Brown's most notable performances was his portrayal of the title role in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Verdi's "Otello" in 1994. The New York Times praised his performance, saying that he "sang with a rich, dark, and ringing sound that conveyed the character's nobility and vulnerability." In addition to his work in opera, Brown was also a respected concert artist. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the works of African American composers, including William Grant Still and George Walker. Throughout his career, Brown received many awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1996, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. He was also a recipient of the Marian Anderson Award, the George Peabody Medal, and the Opera News Award. Brown was also a dedicated educator, serving as a professor of music at Indiana University and the University of Maryland. He was known for his commitment to mentoring young singers and helping them to develop their talents. Sadly, William Brown passed away on March 23, 2021, at the age of 73. He will be remembered as one of the greatest opera singers of his generation, and as a champion of diversity and inclusion in classical music.

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