Bethany Lutheran welcomes Lyric Opera contralto Gwendolyn Brown Oct. 12

Renowned opera singer Gwendolyn Brown will perform as part of the Bethany Arts Series at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake.

Brown possesses an instrument of rare richness, color and versatility, which shines in traditional, 20th century and American opera to great critical acclaim. Critical acclaim of Brown's signature role of Maria in "Gershwin's Porgy and Bess" has made her one of the most sought after and renowned artists to perform the role. Her recent performances with the Seattle Opera and Boston Symphony as well as performances with Washington National Opera, New Orleans Opera and abroad in Germany, Amsterdam and Brussels were given high praise.

Brown will make her debut this fall season with the Chicago Lyric Opera as Maria in Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." Other recent operatic appearances include covering Queenie in "Showboat" with both the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Washington National Opera in 2013.

Brown's 2014-2015 season includes the premiere of a new work by Ethan Gans-Morse entitled "The Canticle of the Black Madonna" (Anima Mundi Production - Portland, Oregon); performances of Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" for Syracuse Opera and the Lyric Opera of Chicago; concert version of Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra; and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony for Madison Symphony Orchestra.

This concert is free. A freewill offering will be accepted.

Brown's performance is a part of Bethany Lutheran Church's Art Series, an annual tradition at the church noted for its high-quality, free musical offerings to celebrate the glory of God through art and creativity while expanding cultural offerings for residents of McHenry County and beyond.

For information, call the church office at (815) 459-2690 or go to church's website, www.bethanylc.com.