Trinity Church’s Friends of Music welcomes soloists Michelle Johnson and Brian Major in concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Solebury. The recital will include an array of art songs, song cycles and musical theater.
Soprano Michelle Johnson has been praised for her “extraordinary breath control and flawless articulation. Her voice is velvety and pliant – a dulcet dream.” In upcoming seasons, Johnson makes a debut with Opera Columbus, Knoxville Opera and Opera Idaho singing the title role of “Aida,” Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra singing Verdi’s “Requiem” and Madison Opera singing Santuzza in “Cavalleria Rusticana.”
Last season, Johnson returned to Sarasota Opera for Madame Lidoine, “Dialogues des Carmélites,” Boston Landmark Orchestra for Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9” and made a debut with Columbus Symphony as soprano soloist in Verdi’s “Requiem,” which all led to rave reviews.
Johnson is a graduate of the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. She is the winner of numerous competitions, most notably Grand Prize Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, William Matheus Sullivan Foundation, Gerda Lissner Foundation, and the Giulio Gari Foundation.
Brian Major, baritone, is praised by critics for his “velvety voice and commanding stage presence.” He recently sang Amonasro in “Aida” with Theatro Municipal de Sao Paulo and Scarpia in “Tosca”. He made his debut in December 2021 with Opera Columbus singing Scarpia in “Tosca,” will return in May to sing Schaunard in “La bohème” and the bass soloist in Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony,” as well as Opera Carolina to sing Amonasro in “Aida.” In 2022-23, Major made his role debut as Ford in Verdi’s “Falstaff” with Maryland Lyric Opera and joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera where he was to make his house debut as Varon Douphol in “La traviata” and cover Benny “Kid” Paret in “Champion.”
Major has won numerous awards and honors on the competition circuit, including 2nd prize Harold Haugh Opera Vocal Competition, 1st prize Opera Ebony Vocal Competition, 3rd prize Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition, 2nd prize Opera at San Nicola Vocal Competition, 1st prize Harlem Opera Theater Vocal Competition, 1st prize Atlanta Music Club Vocal Competition, and Encouragement Prize Palm Beach Atlantic Vocal Competition. He holds degrees from Morehouse College, Boston University, and Michigan State University.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for ages 18 and under. Admission is available at the door. Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 6587 Upper York Road, Solebury.
The mission of Trinity Church’s Friends of Music is to provide quality musical events for the community. Ticket sales cover only a part of the cost of the Concert Series. To donate, contact Timothy Harrell, organist/choirmaster at 215-297-5135.
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