News

The Lee University School of Music will present soprano Dr. Lenena Brezna, soprano, in a faculty recital on Monday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Squires Recital Hall, located in Lee’s Humanities Center.

The evening’s performance will include songs and arias by German composer Richard Strauss and Spanish composer Joaquin Turina. Brezna will be accompanied by Marybeth Wickes on piano.

“I am so excited for everyone to hear this gorgeous music and, in particular, the Turina,” said Brezna. “If you love the exotic sounds of Spanish guitar music, this set will not disappoint.”

Brezna is an associate professor of voice at Lee and an acclaimed performer in opera, solo, and concert settings. She began teaching in Lee’s School of Music in 2014, but previously taught music appreciation as an adjunct instructor at the University of Memphis, where she earned her Doctor of Musical Arts. She was also an adjunct voice instructor at Northeast Mississippi Community College and has taught voice and piano privately to students of all ages.

A native of Booneville, Mississippi, Brezna obtained her master’s degree in vocal performance from Louisiana State University and a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Mississippi. She has been described as a “prodigious talent, with insightful musicality and sparkling high notes.”

Brezna has performed with numerous operas and symphonies, including Amici Opera, Natchez Opera, Pensacola Opera, Mississippi Symphony, and Corinth Symphony. She has portrayed the operatic character s of Musetta, Donna Anna, Gilda, Violetta, Adele, Queen of the Night, and Bianca Germont in the world premiere of “Silent Partners.”

Wickes has worked at Lee University in both administrative and musical roles since 1986. She currently serves as director of accompanying for the School of Music, supervising both staff and student accompanists. She received Lee University’s 2018 Honorary Alumna of the Year award and Cleveland State Community College’s 2017 Community Service in the Arts Award.

The performance is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public.

Lee University remains dedicated to the health and safety of both the campus community and guests. COVID-19 protocols will be observed based on CDC recommendations at the time of each performance. Currently, masks are required when indoors on Lee’s campus.

For those unable to attend in person, livestream viewing will be available at livestream.com/leeu.

For more information, contact the Lee University School of Music at (423) 614-8240.