Lawrence Brownlee is an award-winning opera singer who has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
He is originally from Youngstown, Ohio, and grew up playing music in church — but not singing — and definitely had very little exposure to classical music.
After a high school teacher recognized his unique talent, he started down the path of study and performance that led to a career as an operatic tenor.
Lawrence and Hanif talk about the similarities between tennis and singing, commissioning work from Black composers, and finding time for family as a touring musician.
Funding for Small Joys with Hanif Abdurraqib is provided by The Columbus Foundation and the and the Greater Columbus Arts Council.