Angela Brown Oral History

Angela Brown is an Indianapolis-born dramatic soprano whose career spans the world’s major opera houses, concert stages, and community venues. Raised on the city’s near North Side (30th & Broadway), she first found her voice in church—singing in her grandfather’s congregation and giving her first solo at age five—while her parents made sure the arts were a constant presence at home through music, theater, and live performances across Indianapolis.

Brown’s formal training took shape at Oakwood University, where she began classical study with Ginger Beazley, and continued at Indiana University, where she worked with the legendary soprano Virginia Zeani. At IU she became a prominent campus performer—touring in recitals and special events, coaching singers, and serving as vocal coach for the IU Soul Revue—while simultaneously pursuing a fast-rising operatic path.

A winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Brown’s artistry soon carried her to leading roles and international acclaim. She has appeared with major opera companies and orchestras across the United States and abroad, earning particular recognition in Verdi repertoire. Beyond the stage, she is the founder of Morning Brown, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to expanding representation, mentorship, and access in the performing arts. Her signature outreach performance, Opera…from a Sistah’s Point of View, blends virtuoso singing with humor, storytelling, and “edutainment” to welcome new audiences into opera. In Indianapolis, she continues to invest in the next generation through teaching and community work, including her role as Artistic and Educational Ambassador for Indianapolis Opera.

This interview is part of the Indiana Music History Project’s Amazing Indiana Music Stories series, made possible with generous support from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation. On this page, you’ll find the Complete Interview, an Interview Highlight, and an Image Gallery featuring archival photographs that help bring Angela Brown’s story to life.

In this short highlight video, Angela Brown recalls the pivotal moments that launched her international career. She shares the experience of winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 1997, her 2001 audition at the Met, and the remarkable story of how she earned her debut on that stage. Angela reflects on the triumph of stepping into the title role of Aida at the Metropolitan Opera—a performance that captured worldwide attention and cemented her place among the great sopranos.

In this full oral history, Angela Brown reflects on her journey from growing up in Indianapolis to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated sopranos. She shares memories of her formative years, her studies at Indiana University, including singing alongside the dean, and her early experiences in New York City as she worked to establish her career. Angela also discusses the milestones that followed—her breakthrough at the Metropolitan Opera, signature roles in both classic and contemporary works, and her ongoing mission to expand access to classical music through performance, education, and advocacy.