Originally published April 7, 2016
By Leonard Martinez
UTEP Communications
Sometimes it’s good to be the mean guy – at least on stage.
UTEP Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Brian Downen this spring is performing with the world-famous New York Metropolitan Opera in “Roberto Devereux.”
Downen plays the supporting role of Lord Cecil, a member of the British Parliament under Queen Elizabeth I.
“It is a great honor and a dream come true to be part of the Met family and to have the opportunity to work with the tremendously talented artists there,” Downen said. In the story, Cecil despises Roberto Devereux, Earl of Essex, and works tirelessly to convince the queen of Robert’s disloyalty to the crown. Ultimately, Robert is condemned.
“Most of my career I have sung the romantic lead, as tenors often do,” Downen said. “It’s always fun to play the mean guy!”
Performances started in mid-March and go through April 19.
The Saturday, April 16 performance will be part of the “Live in HD” series that will be simulcast in movie theaters around the world, including the Cinemark Cielo Vista Mall and Cinemark West in El Paso.
In addition to his role in “Roberto Devereux,” Downen understudied – called “covering” in opera – the role of the Dance Master in “Manon Lescaut” by Giacomo Puccini, also at the Met.
“The Department of Music is really excited to have one of our own on stage with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City,” said Steve Wilson, DMA, interim chair of UTEP’s Department of Music. “Mr. Downen represents the highest level of opera performance through his singing on the world’s leading operatic stage. Mr. Downen’s experiences will directly impact the numerous voice students in the Department of Music and will provide valuable insight for all our music students into the world of music performance in the 21st century.”
Although he has been in New York most of this year, Downen has continued teaching at UTEP via Skype for one-on-one lessons – with the help of a teaching assistant.
Carlos Pedroza, one of Downen’s students, said the virtual teaching works well.
“With the computer he’s right in front of me and he can hear me just fine,” Pedroza said.
Pedroza is extremely happy that his teacher has the opportunity to perform on such a grand stage.
“Getting to perform at the Met is every performer’s dream,” Pedroza said. “He has a great voice and he deserves this opportunity.”
Pedroza is planning to see “Roberto Devereux” in a movie theater on April 16.
“He’s not just a great teacher. He’s there for you,” Pedroza said.
After the final performance, Downen will return to UTEP to continue teaching his students.
He has sung leading roles in more than 60 productions for opera houses in the U.S., Europe and Canada.
Recent highlights include performances of Damon in Handel’s “Acis and Galatea” with UTEP’s Opera Bhutan project that included performing in Bhutan for the wedding anniversary of the king and queen, and Crepusculo/Zeriffo in the American premiere of Cavalli’s “Veremonda.”
Downen joined UTEP’s faculty in fall 2014. He has served as vocal music director, performer and arranger for the internationally known pop-performing group, The Decatur Park Singers, for seven years.
Downen also has worked with competitive high school show choirs for more than 20 years, arranging songs and complete shows for award-winning groups throughout the United States.