Brenda Marie Turner

Brenda Marie Turner’s vocal artistry seamlessly spans classical, jazz, musical theater, gospel, pop, and neo-soul. A featured soloist for opera, oratorio, art song, studio recordings, and television broadcasts, Brenda is in demand as a backing vocalist who is prized for her versatility, solid musicianship, and sheer, vocal beauty. Her performance credits extend to voice-over and on-camera work and can be heard and seen in national and international commercials and on social media spots for Facebook, IKEA, Vly foods, Koawach, and June's Journey.

Brenda divides her time between the USA and Europe, performing regularly in the States, throughout Germany and Italy. She has been a soloist with the Berlin Philharmonic, 4Spiel String Quartet, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Nairobi Girls’ Chorale (Kenya). She has toured with German Pop Sensation Sarah Connor as a backing vocalist and featured artist, toured with Rev. Gregory M. Kelly and The Best of Harlem Gospel as a lead vocalist, and vocally supported a myriad of German stars on televised concerts and variety shows. In 2024, Brenda was invited to sing for the Silver Jubilee of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of Ashanti, in Ghana.

Brenda’s classical repertoire includes well known works by Handel, Rutter, Mozart, and Mendelssohn, lesser-known gems by Fanshawe, and a gamut of new works. In 2024, she sings the roles of Orpah in Haggeman’s opera Ruth in a collaborative production by Pegasus Opera Theater and Southern Illinois University and Nella (Gianni Schicchi) for Bronx Opera. Additional opera roles include Bess and Serena (Porgy and Bess), Lucia (Lucia di Lammermoor), Micaela and Frasquita (Carmen), Lakme (Lakme), and she workshopped the popular American opera Margaret Garner leading up to its world premiere.

Brenda is a vocal student of soprano Delia Surratt. She studied voice at Stetson University (Florida) and earned a bachelor’s degree in film from Northwestern University. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and has directly raised more than $25 million and has indirectly raised nearly $1 billion for worthy nonprofit missions. Her background in theater and film boosts her skills in presenting thoughtfully prepared and engaging fundraising concepts to all audiences.

Still Photography by Thomas Mueller