And 10 of her prized possessions
Photography by Katherine Bish
The Guardian of London called Christine Brewer’s voice “simply one of the finest in the world.” The soprano, who began her career with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, made her national debut in ‘03 with the Metropolitan Opera, singing the title role in Ariadne auf Naxos. She received several ovations throughout her performance, including one so long the conductor had to stop the orchestra. But does she have an attitude? Hardly. Hanging out in her kitchen in Lebanon, Ill., she is as comfortable and friendly as your favorite sister—the antithesis of a prima donna.
1. Turquoise engagement ring from Brewer’s husband, Ross, given to her when they were still in college.
2. Handmade Happy Mother’s Day photo album from her daughter, Elizabeth.
3. Angel from Rome, a gift from Ross, during a trip to Italy last fall.
4. Bowl inherited from her grandmother, Marie Burchytte, an elementary school cook. “When she took that bowl to a potluck, she wanted it back,” laughs Brewer.
5. Her mother’s breadboard. “In Grand Tower, Ill., where I grew up, there was a famous restaurant called Ma Hale’s,” Brewer explains. “My mother cooked there when I was in school.”
6. Rolling pin from Grandma Seenie Craig (Brewer’s mom’s mom) who was “a great cook, too. That side of the family was from Arkansas. She was part Cherokee.”
7. Butter churn from great-grandmother Lorris Craig.
8. Second-grade school photo of Brewer’s mother, Dee.
9. Picture of Brewer with her mentor, famous Wagnerian soprano Birgit Nilsson, who passed away on Christmas Eve.
10. Brewer’s mother’s wedding ring, her daughter’s birthstone ring and a locket from Ross, held together on a chain. Costumers make a special pocket in her costumes to accommodate it.
