Start: April 4, 2023 7:30 p.m.
End: April 4, 2023 9:30 p.m.
Location: Sursa Performance Hall
About
Lawrence Brownlee is a leading figure in opera, both as a singer on the world's top stages, and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry. Captivating audiences and critics around the globe, he has been hailed as “an international star in the bel canto operatic repertory” (The New York Times), “one of the world’s leading bel canto stars” (The Guardian), and “one of the most in-demand opera singers in the world today” (NPR).
Rising will showcase new works from African-American composers, Damien Sneed, Brandon Spencer, Jasmine Barnes, Joel Thompson, and Shawn E. Okpebholo. Inspired by poetry of the great African-American writers of the Harlem Renaissance like Alice Dunbar Nelson, Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, and James Weldon Johnson, the compositions will revolve around themes of joy, empowerment, faith, love, and strength in the face of challenge. Brownlee has also collaborated closely with Dr. Louise Toppin, soprano and vocal professor at the University of Michigan, to revive select works from famed composers Margaret Bonds and Robert Owen; in addition to including works from composer Jeremiah Evans. The project will feature accompaniment from American pianist and collaborator Kevin J. Miller.
This event is made possible by Ball State University's Arts Alive Series, presented by the College of Fine Arts.
Tickets
Tickets are free for Ball State students.
General Public: $25
Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office and online.
Parking
Parking is available in the McKinley Parking Garage (entrance on Ashland Avenue) located immediately south of Sursa Hall. Parking in this garage is free on weekends.