A Roswell Music Club Christmas:
Songs of the Season
featuring
Jeanné Brown, soprano and Jacob Lay, baritone
Since her professional debut with Robert Shaw, Jeanné Brown, soprano has touched the souls of her audiences with her “consistently exciting … and radiantly beautiful” classical, operatic and spiritual performances on the concert stage. She has appeared as featured soloist with Symphony Orchestras and Opera Companies throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Most recently Ms. Brown appeared in recital with Alan Morrison and Friends at Spivey Hall in Morrow, GA. Other recent performances include the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as soloist for a Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch, Larry Blank, conductor and featured soloist with the Johns Creek (GA) Symphony, Wayne Baughman conductor. For the last two years, Ms. Brown has performed a series of concerts with Judy Boehm, pianist and Samuel Hagan, tenor in various venues around Georgia to rave reviews.
Career highlights include performing the role of Monica in The Medium with The Atlanta Opera, the national and international tour of Houston Grand Opera’s production of Porgy and Bess, leading roles in premiere performances of Zabette and The Opera Singer, and featured soloist with the Cape Cod Symphony, Royston Nash, conductor. Ms. Brown has studied at Wellesley College, Spelman College and Georgia State University. Continued studies include Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood and the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. In addition to her active performance schedule, Ms. Brown offers master classes and vocal music teaching and consultation. She is currently residing in Roswell, GA.
Jacob Lay, baritone, is an Atlanta native from Ellenwood, GA. He holds degrees from Simpson College in Indianola, IA (B.M Music Performance) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (M.M Voice Performance). He's performed with companies around the country such as The Atlanta Opera, Knoxville Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Ad Astra Music Festival, and Cedar Rapids Opera.
Jacob is also a passionate advocate for the works of composers from underrepresented groups, especially the work of William Grant Still, of whom Jacob has researched and performed frequently. He is also a composer himself and has enjoyed success in various composition contests around the country.
David Troy Francis, piano
Two time Pulitzer Prize winning composer Ned Rorem says of Mr. Francis: He plays the right note with the right tone at the right time. (what more can you ask of any performer?) And with this, he adds that indefinable element of himself, which is the magic of all true interpreters.
Mr. Francis has enjoyed a 50+ year career of musical excellence and performs in recital throughout America and Europe. He has ten cds available including the world premiere recording of Mr. Rorem's Eight Etudes for Piano on the cd entitled The Americans. The Los Angeles Times raves of Mr. Francis’ playing: consistently absorbing whether in lyrical repose or propulsive fury. Two of his best selling CDs include his unique and compelling arrangements of American Hymns.
Mr. Francis is the recording pianist for such films as Pursuit of Happyness, Elegy and Fame. He has composed music for film and television.
Mr. Francis is the creator, composer, musical director and executive producer of the runaway smash hit musical BARK! - the 3rd longest running production in Los Angeles theatrical history. The wildly successful show has been mounted in theatres from Florida to Alaska and internationally in Brazil and Scotland. BARK! has been selected critics’ choice by the Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune.
David Troy Francis was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and is best known for his steadfast championing and performance of contemporary American music. Now living in Roswell, Georgia, he is an esteemed concert pianist and recording artist as well as a respected composer, arranger and accompanist.
