In 1995, Gwendolyn Brown lent her voice to the depiction of the great Marion Anderson in Soul of the Game, an HBO Productions movie. It was a fitting match, for this singer possesses a true contralto instrument that evinces much the same rare quality as that of the late, legendary star. Her voice is luminously rich in its dark lower tones, and shimmers glowingly throughout her range.
Born in Memphis, Tenn., Gwendolyn graduated in musical arts from Fisk University in Nashville, where she gained—and continues to hold—membership in the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers. Gwendolyn then pursued a master’s degree in vocal performance at the former Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis), where she received critical acclaim for her performances with the Memphis State University Opera Theater as Baba (The Medium) and The Mother (Amahl and The Night Visitors). She later earned the rank of Regional Winner (Memphis) and Central Region Finalist (Chicago) in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Gwendolyn placed as a semi-finalist in the New York Oratorio Society Solo Auditions and won Third Place in the 2005 Classical Singer AudComps.
Gwendolyn began her quest to enter the ranks of professional opera when she was accepted for resident studies with the Lyric Opera Center for Young American Artists in Chicago. She has understudied several primary roles with Chicago Lyric Opera, and has sung a number of supporting roles with the company.
What were some influential experiences in your youth that led you to a career in music?
My earliest influences were variety shows (yep, I am a child of the ‘70s) and church music. I wanted to get into rhythm and blues, and gospel, but my voice just didn’t fit those genres. My high school music teacher, Mrs. Yvonne Hull, made music fun and interesting, and made the goal of majoring in music in college seem possible and profitable.
When I got into college at Fisk University, I found that I had an operatic voice, thanks to my voice teacher, Ms. Valijah Bumbulis—but I did not fully pursue a career in classical music until graduate school.
What are your goals for the next five years? In the next 10 years?
Since I am an older artist (I turned 40 last September), most of my goals are more realistic within five years. In these next five years, I will work to become established as a principle artist by obtaining representation, and work aggressively to get auditions. I am working to improve my acting skills and interpretation.
As I am in the years of further development as a contralto, I am working to improve continuity and ease and clarity of vocal production. I am also working on my physical appearance in a wise, healthy and non-surgical manner. I am also working to have a presence overseas.
In 10 years, I hope to have some recordings done.
What has been your career highlight to this point?
There are many. My performances for Four Seasons Concerts at the Yachats Music Festival—in 2003, 2004 and 2005—because I have matured in my performance and audience connectivity skills as a result. Another highlight was a 2004 performance in Orlando, Florida at the Negro Spiritual Foundation’s World Premiere Gala.
Of course, another career highlight was winning third place in my division at the Classical Singer Convention. The AudComps and the Convention were such a wonderful experience, and the advice and encouragement I received was so refreshing and healing, at a time I needed it.
How do you handle rejection?
I handle rejection better than I did years ago (even months ago). I no longer go through some pity party and needless meditations and “over-evaluations” about my performance. I rejoice in the Lord and realize that as long as I have life and breath, all is well and another opportunity is always available. I just keep myself at peace and put all things in the Lord’s hands.
How do you balance career and family?
Since I am single, it’s pretty easy. In general, my “balancing act” involves music, work, career development, ministry (I’m an ordained minister and work as one of the administrators at my church), and my small business. Some days are a bit hectic, and sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I just rest, and pray, and pace everything accordingly, and take time out for myself.
Are there any other thoughts you’d like to share with Classical Singer readers?
You are never too old to go for your goals. If something is meant for you, it will happen. Be patient, and continue going forward in the development of your instrument and yourself. Continue to keep yourself “ready” for the doors of opportunity.
Kristianna VanOveren began serious study at age 16 with her mother, Sharon. Kristianna joined the chorus of Opera Grand Rapids in 1999 and made her first comprimario appearance as Mrs. Jaffet in the 2000 OGR production of Noah’s Flood. Since then, she has appeared in Tosca, The Magic Flute, Carmen, and as Barbarina in the 2002 production of The Marriage of Figaro. In 2003 and 2004, she competed in the state NATS competition and took first place both years in her division.
Kristianna has attended the Interlochen National Music Camp (Michigan), and Opera in the Ozarks in Arkansas. She performed the role of Papagena in The Magic Flute, which was presented in Battle Creek, Mich. and Lafayette, Ind. Recently she attended the 2005 Classical Singer Convention in New York, where she received the Marquis award in the Emerging Professional Division.
Kristianna attended the Spoleto Arts Symposia in Italy last summer. She has studied with Meredith Zara of Michigan State University, Beverly Rinaldi of the Cleveland Institute of Music, and is currently continuing her study with James Turner of Kalamazoo College.
What were some influential experiences in your youth that led you to a career in music?
I was about 3 years old the first time opera made an impression in my life. I desperately tried to sing along with an LP recording of Roberta Peters singing the Queen of the Night’s aria. I remember wanting nothing more than to sing in the stratosphere like the almost instrumental voice coming out of the wall.
Both of my parents are musicians, so singing and performing were an integral part of my youth. My first real taste of performing opera, however, was at age 16, when I appeared as Jaffet’s wife in Benjamin Britten’s Noah’s Flood. I never looked back.
What are your goals for the next five years? In the next 10 years?
In the next five years, I would love to spend some extended time overseas to study and really immerse myself in the Italian, German and French languages and cultures. I also plan to audition for Young Artist Programs around the nation and the world.
In the next 10 years, I would like to take on some major leading roles, in particular, Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro and Rossina in The Barber of Seville. I would also like to be part of a large-scale outreach program for children who would normally not be exposed to classical music—that is my biggest dream.
What has been your career highlight to this point?
Two years ago I had the pleasure of performing the role of Barbarina with Opera Grand Rapids.
What is your favorite part about being an opera singer?
There is something special about the emotions a singer can inspire. I love being able to share this wonderful music, and possibly even touch someone’s life.
Who are some of the role models, mentors or influential people in your life?
My mother has been the biggest inspiration to me. She is a constant support and a fantastic accompanist, my greatest ally and harshest critic. My teacher, James Turner of Kalamazoo College, also helped me find my way through numerous struggles of a young and growing voice. He continues to give me unwavering support and encouragement.
If you could sing any one role, what would it be?
I would love to perform Violetta in La traviata. She is everything that is fantastic about opera. Is there any better death scene?
How do you handle rejection?
I try not to let it bother me. Failure is the catalyst for success if you have the right outlook on things. You cannot make everyone happy.
Are there any other thoughts you’d like to share with Classical Singer readers?
It is a long road to becoming the best performer of which I am capable. There will be disappointment and frustration ahead—but I have an unquenchable passion to perform and share this magical art with others. I feel compelled from the depths of my being to sing and pursue this amazing art form.
