Angela Brown can recall when the theatrical bug first bit: It was an audition for a role in the Mapleton Fall Creek School 76 stage production of  “I’m a Little Teapot, Short and Stout.” Although she didn’t get the part, she knew instinctively, as a first-grader, that performing was her calling.

Who could’ve predicted then the success Brown has since enjoyed on stage. An international operatic sensation who has commanded standing ovations from the world's most famous theaters, critics have praised Brown. Her voice has been described as shimmering, mesmerizing and soaring, and she has been called the ideal American dramatic soprano.

Her singing voice first drew notice at the Indianapolis Baptist church where her grandfather was minister. As early as age 5, she was stirring the congregation with renditions of gospel classics such as “You Can't Beat God's Giving.” She sang throughout her childhood at church and school functions, local competitions, and Broadway-style shows.

Opera, however, almost was an afterthought.

Brown initially wanted to be a singing evangelist and enrolled at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala., where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music. Her voice coach, however, had other ideas. She led Brown to world famous soprano and coach Virginia Zeani at Indiana University in Bloomington. Fortunately for opera fans worldwide, Brown changed her mind to become one of the most acclaimed Verdi sopranos to grace the world of opera.

In 2004, she made her successful Metropolitan Opera debut in “Aida” and sparked media excitement with her nuanced performance.

Brown is on a mission to bring operatic and classical vocal performance to a diverse audience. Her witty recital program, “Opera from a Sistah’s Point of View,” dispels the myths of opera through lively commentary on plots and characters, show-stopping arias, poignant art songs and moving spirituals. She also performed a free public concert with the choir from Broad Ripple Magnet High School for Arts and Humanities at the Madame Walker Theatre on Sept. 11, 2009.

In addition to her induction into the IPS Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2009, Brown this year received the Governor’s Arts Award from Gov. Mitch Daniels and a Spirit of the Prairie Award from Conner Prairie.

She is featured in “Nineteen Stars of Indiana,” a book by Michael “Mickey” S. Maurer about living Hoosier women with successful and inspirational life stories.