Brittany Renee discusses 'Fire Shut Up in my Bones' & trusting your talent!

It is my highest joy and honor to introduce you to an amazing Soprano in the one and only Brittany Renee. Brittany is currently starring in the historic Fire Shut Up in my Bones at The Metropolitan Opera where she is in the principal roster performing & covering the roles of Evelyn & Destiny/Greta/Loneliness respectively. Recently her portrayal as Evelyn in FIRE "offered an uplifting lightness, a lovely, crystalline soprano that was all youthful excitement..." - (Parterre Box), and "masterfully oozed vocal and physical sensuality." - (OperaWire). Highlights from Brittany's past seasons include reprising the role of Bess in Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess at the Teatro Regio Torino and at the Magnetic Opera Festival in Elba, Italy, as well as a featured soloist and company member at The Metropolitan Opera in their historic production of Porgy & Bess, which won Best Opera Recording at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards! Up next for Brittany this season includes her role debut as Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen with Opera Orlando, her debut with the American Pops Orchestra, her Carnegie Hall debut with the Musica Sacra Chorus & Orchestra. 

There are some names that you need to run (not walk) to purchase tickets when you see it on the marquee and Brittany Renee is truly one of those names. To watch her perform in rehearsal and to shine on the Met Stage in such an effortless way is not only inspiring but it is truly motivating. Not to mention, her voice is beautiful and one you will remember forever after hearing it. I am so grateful to have the chance to feature this fellow Minnesotan and amazing Soprano! 

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a Singer? 

Honestly, I've been singing since I was 2 years old. I immersed myself in all genres of music from jazz, musical theater, gospel, classical, etc.... No matter if it was in the shower, school plays, at church, or all over the Twin Cities, I was always singing a tune! I didn't know I really wanted to make it my career until I went to college.

Where did you study? Are there any mentors who helped shape you into the amazing artist you are today? 

I attended the Peabody Conservatory of the John's Hopkins University for my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Being from Minnesota I grew up as a choir kid so one of my earlier mentors was my high school choir teacher Gregory Larsen and my voice teacher Geneva Eschweiler. Both of them introduced me to Opera and the craft behind it. After college, I moved to Colorado to study with the world-renowned soprano Martile Rowland. She was the one who really molded my technique and taught me how to really use my voice to portray these beautiful operatic stories.

Congratulations on Fire Shut Up in My Bones at The Metropolitan Opera where you are making you are beautifully performing and covering the roles of Evelyn & Destiny/Greta/Loneliness. How has this process and experience been for you? 

This experience has definitely been one to remember! I never thought I would be making my debut in a story I can truly relate to, as well as with dear friends! It's very rare in Opera where you can work so closely with a living composer. Terence Blanchard has given us the ability to really dig into our creativity. For the first 3 weeks of rehearsals, I was able to develop the characters of Destiny/Loneliness/Greta and even Evelyn from the ground up, which was a first. I was able to pull from my own experiences to create something really special!

 Are there any operas, shows, or moments in your career that stick out and will always be near and dear to your heart? 

Way too many to count! I feel whatever show I am working on at the moment I try to find something special to hold on too! Honestly, Fire Shut Up in my Bones has been such an emotional experience. I've never cried tears of joy before a curtain call, so I know I will always remember that feeling.

What advice would you give any young aspiring artist? 

Trust in your talent and what you can bring to each individual who you bless with your craft. No matter if it is in front of a large audience or a small room. Also, don't let anyone try to put you in a box. If that's the case create your OWN BOX where you can be your authentic self!

Fire Shut Up in my Bones is the first opera ever at The Metropolitan Opera written by a black composer in The Grammy Award-winning and Academy Award Nominated Terence Banchard. It is currently running at The Metropolitan Opera until October 23rd. For more information, please visit - www.metopera.org; For more information about Brittany, make sure you visit her website at www.brittanyreneesoprano.com