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 “one of the most in-demand opera singers in the world today” (NPR). Brownlee is a winner of numerous awards and distinctions including “Male Singer of the Year” (2017 International Opera Awards), the Kennedy Center’s Marian Anderson Award, and the Opera News Award (2021).
In the ‘22-’23 season, Brownlee returns to The Metropolitan Opera house as Tamino in a new production of Die Zauberflöte, and he also performs as Comte Ory with the Chicago Lyric Opera. Brownlee’s 21-22 season included his role debut in Rameau’s Platée as Platée with Opéra National de Paris, He also opened The Kennedy Center’s 50th Anniversary Season in Washington National Opera’s “Come Home: A Celebration of a Return” concert.
In spring 2021, Brownlee joined The Juilliard School as a Distinguished Visiting Faculty Member. He serves as artistic advisor for Opera Philadelphia, where his responsibilities include increasing and expanding audience diversity, advocating for new works, and liaising with the General Director from the perspective of a performing artist. “As an artist, I think it is important that we are actively advocating for this beautiful art form we love so much,” said Brownlee, “ensuring that it will be alive and well for many years to come.” Mr. Brownlee also serves as an Ambassador for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Lyric Unlimited, and is an Ambassador for Opera for Peace. Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, Brownlee emerged as a pivotal voice in classical music’s shift toward digital programming and the resurgence of conversations around racial justice.