Olivet Nazarene University is pleased to present a unique concert event experience featuring renowned operatic tenor, Lawrence Brownlee, and pianist, Kevin J. Miller, on Friday, April 10, 2026.
The first half of the concert program will feature music from Mr. Brownlee’s album, “Rising.” This album features music he commissioned from six contemporary Black composers, setting poetry from the Harlem Renaissance to their arrangements. The second half of the program will feature the bel canto literature for which he is known. Olivet’s Orpheus choir will perform pre-concert at 6:30 p.m.
As stated in his IMG artist’s biography: Lawrence Brownlee is a leading figure in opera, both as a singer who has graced the world’s top stages, and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry… In spring 2021, Brownlee joined The Juilliard School as a Distinguished Visiting Faculty Member. He serves as artistic advisor for Opera Philadelphia, and is an Ambassador for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Lyric Unlimited, as well as Opera for Peace.
Highlights of Brownlee’s recent past seasons include role debuts as the title role in Mitridate, re di ponto at the Boston Lyric Opera, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor at New National Theatre Tokyo, and Fernand in a new production of Donizetti’s La Favorite with the Houston Grand Opera, as well as acclaimed roles at the Metropolitan Opera, Opera Bastille in Paris, New National Theatre in Tokyo, and State Opera Munich.
Mr. Brownlee will be accompanied by American pianist, Kevin J. Miller. Mr. Miller, a Grammy Award nominee, who has also had a distinguished career with appointments to illustrious opera companies including The Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, LA Opera, Washington National Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival, Cincinnati Opera, Austin Opera, Opera San Antonio, and Opera Theatre of St. Louis.
The day before the concert, Mr. Brownlee will lead a masterclass for students in Olivet’s School of Music. Five pre-selected students will perform song literature and be coached by Mr. Brownlee in front of their peers.
This masterclass and concert event have been made possible through the generous support of the Jill Bowling Fine Arts Endowment, which seeks to connect Christian musicians with educational and performance opportunities on Olivet’s campus. Mr. Brownlee is an alumnus of Anderson University.
Reserved seating for the concert is $20 and general admission is $15.
Tickets are available at Brushfire.com/Olivet.
For more information on the School of Music at Olivet, visit Olivet.edu/Academics
