Biography
Demaree Clayson Brown, a mezzo-soprano from San Angelo, Texas, holds degrees from Brigham Young University (BM), the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (MM), and the University of Utah (DMA). While at the University of Utah, she studied with Professor Ariel Bybee and her research focused on art song from Spain and Latin America. Recently, Dr. Brown made her debut with Utah Lyric Opera in Provo, performing the role of Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia. Her voice was described as exuding a "warmth and richness" that allowed her to "portray her character vividly just through her singing." Her concert and oratorio work include being the alto soloist for Mendelssohn's Elijah, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, and the mezzo-soprano soloist for John Rutter's Feel the Spirit, and Durufle's Requiem. Dr. Brown has sung several recitals, concerts, and operas on stages throughout the United States, Ireland, Spain, China, and Italy. Her most recent opera roles include: Carmen (Carmen), Mercedes (Carmen), Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro), Dame Quickly (Falstaff), Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors), Mrs. McLean (Susannah), Angelina (La Cenerentola), Ottavia (L'incoronazione di Poppea), Suzuki (Madama Butterfly), Jade Boucher (Dead Man Walking), Marie (The Most Happy Fella), and La Principessa (Suor Angelica). In addition to performing, Dr. Brown teaches voice at Utah Valley University and previously taught high school and middle school choir in Nevada, Utah, Nebraska, and New Mexico. She and her husband, Marco, currently reside in Salt Lake City and are the proud parents of their sons, Elliot and Theodore.
