Lawrence Brownlee
July 8th 2021
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).
Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, Brownlee has emerged as a pivotal voice in classical music’s shift toward digital programming and the resurgence of conversations around racial justice. In May 2020, he launched “The Sitdown with LB,” a weekly Facebook Live series which explores the experience of being an African-American opera singer. The ongoing series has featured Brownlee in conversation with renowned artists like George Shirley, Denyce Graves, Martina Arroyo, J’Nai Bridges, Angel Blue, and others. Since April 2020 he has also hosted the video series “Coffee and a Song,” in which he invites artist friends to perform interpretations of art-songs from the intimacy of their own homes, and in August he gave a Masterclass conversation-performance as part of National Sawdust’s Digital Discovery Festival. Brownlee also performed at the Metropolitan Opera’s At-Home Gala in April 2020.
Other highlights of Brownlee’s 20-21 season include a virtual concert with the Tallahassee Symphony, a broadcast of Lawrence Brownlee and Friends with Opera Philadelphia, a virtual recital with pianist Myra Huang for the Schubert Club International Artist Series, broadcasts and eventual live performances of his acclaimed solo recital program Cycles of My Being, a duo recital with Michael Spyres, and appearances with the Lincoln Center Song Series, Opéra Royal de Wallonie, Opernhaus Zurich, Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, New National Theatre Tokyo, and San Francisco Opera. His album Amici e Rivali with Michael Spyres and Maestro Corrado Rovaris, releasing November 13 on Warner Classics & Erato, will be the first ever to exclusively feature Rossini’s tenor duets.
2020-2021 Annual Appeal
Thank you for your support – as a Sponsor, Member of the Impresario Society, Donor, Event Attendee and Volunteer – YOU are the Heart of Sun Valley Opera!
All of us who are part of the Sun Valley Opera are appreciative of your past support as we work to thrive and grow through these trying times. As each of you who read this already know, the pandemic has changed the dynamic for all arts organizations, including ours.
Although our Summer Festival was very different than originally planned, we were able to offer an opportunity outdoors to enjoy two “Movies Al Fresco” – The Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story on the lawn at the Sun Valley Pavilion. Then on September 26, we presented a “Garden Concert Al Fresco” starring Cayman Ilika, who wowed the maximum attendance crowd. All events complied with CDC and local guidelines.
For those of you who have supported Sun Valley Opera for nearly 20 years, we thank you for helping us to bring quality vocal artists from the Opera, Broadway and other stages around the world, to the Wood River Valley. Our signature remains a commitment to high quality musical events.
As we make plans to celebrate our 20th Anniversary, hopefully with a Gala and Concert in 2021, we are remembering all the special evenings we shared together. From the earliest events where a handful of guests gathered in homes to sit on hearths and lean on tables to hear amazing Opera Stars in an “up close and personal” way, to our elaborate Pavilion shows with talented Broadway Artists like Brian “Stokes” Mitchell and Sutton Foster, Sun Valley Opera would not have been possible without you.
We will keep you informed of any upcoming events, streaming programming and other items of interest throughout the coming winter.
Thank you in advance for your consideration, dedication and philanthropic commitment to Sun Valley Opera and the vocal arts.
Your new or renewed financial support will contribute to more and richer musical experiences. More information about Sponsorship Levels and the Impresario Society Membership are below.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Robyn Watson at rwatson.svo@gmail.com or 208-726-0991
Thank you for your continued support & CHEERS to a future filled with music!
The Sun Valley Opera Board of Directors and Robyn Watson, SVO Executive Director
THE CARES ACT: NEW CHARITABLE GIVING INCENTIVES
Signed into law on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“Cares Act”) includes provisions designed to encourage charitable contributions of cash. It allows a growing number of taxpayers who do not itemize their returns to receive a tax deduction of up to $300 for cash donations to 501 © (3) nonprofit organizations during the calendar year 2020. Taxpayers who itemize returns may now deduct up to 100% of their 2020 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). The limit on corporate donations has been lifted from 10% to 25%.
Your gift to Sun Valley Opera at this time may provide you with additional tax advantages. Please consult your own tax advisor.
Thank you again, for your consideration.
Support Us
Become a donor or a sponsor for the 2020 / 2021.
If you would prefer to donate by check, please mail a check to the address below.
Sun Valley Opera – PO Box 7187, Ketchum ID 83340
Thank you for your support!