Angela Roewe

Grammy Award-winning American soprano Christine Brewer knows life is like a song - there are ups, downs, and modifications that need to be made even when you don't want to.

The demands placed on her as a mother, wife, daughter, friend, citizen, and traveling celebrity have kept her life in constant motion for as long as she can remember, but she has no regrets. She has managed to balance it, and at the end of each day, she knows she is blessed because of the inspiration, support, and love from those who surround her.

Born in Springfield, Ill., growing up in Grand Tower, Ill., Brewer has appeared with many of the world's great conductors, and performed her broad repertoire regularly with the world's leading orchestras. She sings with all the major opera houses in the world including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and Covent Garden in London. She is currently singing the title role in Gluck's Alceste with the Santa Fe Opera. A stunning recitalist, in addition to her many appearances at Wigmore Hall in London, she has graced Lincoln Center's "Art of the Song" series, made appearances in Washington, D.C., Vancouver, Santa Fe, Cleveland, St. Louis and Portland, and sung for world leaders, she will also be doing a solo recital at Carnegie Hall on October 14, all something she never dreamed would come true.

"As a child, I think I wanted to be a nurse, a teacher, a lawyer, and more," she said. "My mother made me believe that I could be all of those things - whatever I wanted. She was also one of my harshest critics when I performed because she knew my gift."

After high school, she fell in love with McKendree College's campus, the charm of Lebanon, and the privilege of a full scholarship there. Yet, the spirited blonde never dreamed this is where she'd find her prince charming. She and Ross began dating within a few months and eventually married where they first met - on campus.

Brewer, who received a Music Education/Vocal Performance degree, taught music after graduation, but when her voice changed, she could no longer deny it and quit teaching to begin auditioning.

"I think Ross took a leap of faith before I did," she said. "We lived on his salary as a junior high school teacher, and there were many times that we struggled to make ends meet. All along, through thick and thin, he was there cheering me on."

The Brewers settled in Lebanon in the early 1980s after living in Belleville for a short while. They've remained in Lebanon since despite her fame because they love the quality of life there, calling it the perfect place to raise a child.

"Our daughter Elisabeth often traveled with me, and sometimes my mom would go with us," Brewer said. "I was very picky about the engagements that I accepted when she was younger because she deserved as much normalcy in her life as possible, but truthfully, I find that children adapt very well as long as they know that they are loved.

"When it comes to parents who have demanding careers, I think each individual and family needs to find the balance that works for them. We are all different and all have special gifts - finding those gifts and nurturing them is essential. I don't think we can 'do it all.' I will be honest and say that I made sacrifices in my personal life to have the career that I have, and I made sacrifices in my career to have the personal life that I have."

Even while off road, Brewer is preparing for the next engagement, learning an operatic role, translating the opera, and then, speaking the texts until they feel organic. Her work is then reviewed by her vocal coach and voice teacher.

"I always said it takes a village to teach me how to sing," she jokes while citing she has several voice coaches around the United States.

If a lazy days stumbles upon her, she spends time in her backyard gazing at the gardens, or in the kitchen. Every so often, she gathers friends and family to indulge in a gourmet meal, wine, and laughter.

"I always say this is what charges my batteries when I'm home," she said. "These are the memories that I take with me when I go back on the road that keep me sane."

All in all, Brewer advises young people to listen to their dreams and follow because she never dreamed she'd be where she is today considering she grew up in a farming town with a population of 500.

"When it came time for our daughter to choose a major, I told her to study all the things that struck her interest; keep her eyes and ears open at all times; befriend older adults and learn from them; and be unafraid to try new things...," she said, "because I knew she could do anything. I love what I do because I love to communicate. Singing is a wonderful way to communicate - music can speak to the heart in a way words alone can't."