Show & Teal Classical Music Takes Center Stage

Acclaimed opera singer Lawrence Brownlee sat quietly in Beckwith Recital Hall, taking mental notes as he watched mezzo-soprano Tori Thomas ’21 perform “Waiting,” an aria from “The Great Gatsby.” Brownlee, known internationally as one of the finest interpreters of bel canto opera, then offered suggestions to Thomas to improve her breath, not to compromise notes and to sell the story behind the music.

Brownlee, a tenor, was the featured artist for this year’s Caterina Jarboro Memorial Recital, which honors Wilmington’s first operatic diva and the first Black female opera singer to perform with an all-white company in 1933. The recital highlights Jarboro’s contributions to opera while providing educational opportunities to students. Her story and impact on the genre motivated Thomas to further pursue a career in opera.

“When I saw Caterina Jarboro’s photo, it brought me to tears because she was someone who looks like me,” Thomas recalled. “To know she was born the same year as the Wilmington massacre and to grow up in that climate yet still thrive and shine is so inspiring.”

Thomas and four other students from UNCW, East Carolina University and North Carolina Central University were selected to participate in Brownlee’s master class held March 20. The singers each received one-on-one instruction from Brownlee.

“Watching a guest artist practice their craft in recital is invaluable; watching that same guest artist share that craft with young singers is life-changing and a powerful learning experience for students,” said Dr. Nancy King, music department chair and one of the organizers of the Caterina Jarboro Memorial Recital. “Mr. Brownlee is deeply dedicated to diversity and inclusion in classical music, and through his work mentoring young singers and his web series, ‘The Sitdown with LB,’ he has proven to be a powerful ambassador for change in opera.”

Thomas has been following Brownlee’s work for years and was inspired by his activism for Black composers and artists.

“Growing up, it felt like opera was something foreign to us,” she said. “Then to hear black voices fitting in perfectly in this genre was uplifting.”

Brownlee, who tours eight to 10 months a year, said participating in the recital and offering the master class was important to him.

“I think that we have to be a link, a chain of tradition that carries on some of the things of the past,” he said. “People like Ms. Jarboro opened doors for me and endured difficulties so that people of color like myself can be on the stage around the world. Her story inspired me, so when I can be there for young singers to try to encourage them to sing, I tell them what’s possible through hard work.” – VJ