Northridge, CA: ArtsNorthridge is proud to present the great dramatic operatic soprano, Angela M. Brown, the newest star of The Metropolitan Opera, in her long awaited Los Angeles debut on Sunday, March 26 at 4:00 pm at the CSUN Performing Arts Center! The performance will feature Miss Angela Brown, The Met Baritone Gregg Baker and the LA Opera’s William Vendice will be the accompanist.

In the fall of 2004, Miss Brown made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Verdi’s Aïda. The next morning Anne Midgette of The New York Times exclaimed, “At last an Aïda...” Miss Midgette went on to say, “...her performance was a major event.” Miss Brown sang another performance in the title role of Aïda with The Metropolitan Opera and reprised the role in January 2005 for Opera Company of Philadelphia. The Associated Press recognized her performance by saying: "At this still-early stage of her career, she combines a potent, dusky lower register with a striking ability to spin out soft high notes of shimmering beauty.  There's no doubt her voice is powerful enough for Verdi; she sailed loud and clear above even the massed choruses that crowd the Met stage during the Triumphal Scene in Act II."

The CSUN Performing Arts Center booked Miss Brown immediately following her Metropolitan Opera House triumph in Aïda. This will be her first performance in California since her smash hit at the Met and this performance at CSUN will mark her Los Angeles debut! Miss Brown will sing a program opera classics and the music of George Gershwin which will include duets with Met Baritone Gregg Baker. There are also a few special surprises to this unique concert of unsurpassed singing.

Miss Brown brandishes pure vocal power and finesse and has won the acclaim of critics and audiences.  The roles of Aïda, Amelia, Tosca, Elisabetta, Leonora, Ariadne, and the like, are the perfect conduit for her musical abilities.

The opera portion of this powerful concert will include Miss Brown performing “O Patria Mia” from Aïda and “Pace, pace, mio Dio” from Verdi’s La Forza del Destino. Miss Brown and Gregg Baker will sing the duets from Act III of Un Ballo in Maschera by Verdi. This will be followed by selections from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess including “Summertime” and “Bess You is My Woman Now.”

SPIRITUAL AND GOSPEL SOUNDS TOO!
Angela M. Brown began her singing career as a spiritual and gospel music singer. Thus, the evening will also feature spirituals from her highly acclaimed CD recording, Mosaic and end with a selection of rousing gospel music.  Joining Miss Brown and Mr. Baker will be members of The UP Choir from Understanding Principles for Better Living Church. The remarkable Della Reese-Lett is the Minister and Founder of this Los Angeles based non-denominational church.

The Spirituals scheduled at this time are “Steal Away”, “Ride On” and a duet with Brown and Baker in “Ride up in the Chariot.” The gospel selections will be announced soon, and will include both Brown, Baker and the UP Choir directed by Bob Henley III.