Who is opera for? When it emerged as an art form in Italy and France, it was meant for the aristocracy. But that was the 17th century and this is now.
The accessibility of opera has come a long way and Lawrence Brownlee is known as one of the most in-demand Bel Canto tenors in the world. He is performing Friday night at Emory’s Schwartz Center with bass-baritone Eric Owens.
“I had a teacher in high school say to me, ‘There’s something about the quality of your voice that is specifically suited for classical music, I think you should pursue it,’” Brownlee said. He grew up playing multiple instruments, but never considered opera as a career choice.
“Being a short black man, that’s not your first instinct,” he said.
One of the songs Brownlee will be performing tomorrow evening is called “All Night, All Day.” He dedicated this song to his son, Caleb, who is autistic.
