Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 15, 2020)
Page 22 M artin L uther K ing J r . January 15, 2020 2020 special edition Performing for King’s Birthday C onTinued From P age 20 “stop right there” and be the next Aretha Franklin, or she could “be the best Verdi soprano the world had ever seen” by working hard for at least a decade, mastering vocal techniques as well as foreign lan- guages. Brown opted for the latter and never looked back. And after her debut with the Metropolitan Opera as Verde’s Aida, she received ac- colades far and wide. Brown said she’s grateful to the black women opera singers who came before her, people such as Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle and Leontine Price. “I’ve been blessed and had so many trailblazers, she said. “I have a better opportunity than black men, and it’s harder for them to break in, especially in leading roles where they may be kissing someone who’s not black. “I definitely have heard stories where black male singers have been hired, but once they get to rehearsal they are let go because the director wants to ‘go in a different direc- tion.’ It helps to grow that thick skin that you will need.” Brown’s path to stardom was a long one and she had to go through several auditions with the Met be- fore she was finally accepted. The answer, she said, is just to keep on trying. “You have to keep going back. If they offer feedback, take it and take it seriously, because that is the upper echelon of our business,” she said. “Sometimes it’s not the right fit at that moment, but it’s just for that moment they say no. When your ticket comes up, you’ll be cake in the oven. Just try not to get de- pressed and weary.” This is the first time that Opera in the Park, which sponsors opera performances in Washington Park during the summer, has sponsored a wintertime performer in an expan- sion of their mission, said Sharon Buckmaster of Opera in the Park. Brown said she’s particularly ex- cited to perform for the high school students. “I think it’s exceptional that so many schools wanted me to come and present opera,” she said. “From a cultural point of view, it demystifies opera.” Brown says Opera is for every- one. “It is not an elitist art form that is unattainable,” she said. “Yes, it originated in Italy, but the subjects are far and wide, about people of the world. Opera is you. There are African operas like “Aida,” there are Asian operas like “Madam But- terfly,” there are Spanish operas like “Carmen,” and American operas like “Susannah” and “Charlie Park- er’s Yard Bird.”
