“American baritone Nicholas Brownlee took first prize with a lyrically polished, dramatically authoritative account of Banco’s aria “Come dal ciel precipita” from Verdi’s Macbeth…The 27 year old singer was even more impressive during semi-finals, combining a rich tone, intuitive use of gesture, and commanding presence – in other words, the whole package – in “Schweig, damit dich niemand warnt” from Weber’s Der Freischuetz…there is little doubt that he has the requisite ingredients for an international career.”
Rebecca Schmid, Musical America, July 8, 2016
Bass-baritone Nicholas Brownlee has been described as “charismatic and charming” (New York Times) with a “commanding presence” and “rich tone” (Musical America). He is a first prize winner of the Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, winner of the Zarzuela prize at Operalia, and Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions grand prize winner.
Nicholas is a member of the ensemble at Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe where he will be heard in new productions of Der Freischütz (Kaspar) and Les contes d’Hoffmann (Villains), as well as revivals of Simon Boccanegra (Paolo) and Anna Bolena (Enrico VIII). In his first season, he sang new productions...
“As Colline, Nicholas Brownlee sang his Overcoat Aria with burnished bronze tones...”
Maria Nockin, Opera Today, May 30, 2016 - Colline in 'La bohème' at LA Opera with Gustavo Dudamel
“The bass-baritone Nicholas Brownlee proved the standout among the three male winners, charismatic and charming in his winning interpretation of the catalog aria from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” a vocally and physically confident performance that had the audience chuckling. After intermission he switched gears emotionally with a potent rendition of Aleko’s cavatina from the Rachmaninoff opera of the same name.”
Vivien Schweitzer, New York Times, March 23, 2015 - Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Finals
“The new ensemble member Nicholas Brownlee makes a nasty favorite with his dark, metal-hardened bass baritone as Paolo Albiani whose criminal potential shines through in every phrase.”
Georg Rudiger, Badische Zeitung, January 22, 2018 - Paolo Albiani in 'Simon Boccanegra' with Search Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe
“Nicholas Brownlee created a threatening and seductive-sounding Kaspar, closer to Gounod's Mephistopheles than the mere boorish, hellish drinking buddy one normally experiences.”
Opernglas, November 2018 - Kaspar in 'Der Freischütz' at Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe
