Multi-faceted Artist Brenda Marie Turner received formal classical vocal training at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, and earned a bachelor's degree in Film from Northwestern University. Brenda sings a variety of genres of music, including classical, jazz, musical theater, gospel, pop, and neo-soul, with various organizations around the globe.

​In conjunction with regular performances in operas, recitals, concerts, cabarets, and the like, Brenda has been the soprano soloist for several oratorios, including well known works by Handel, Rutter, Mozart, and Mendelssohn and lesser-known gems by Fanshawe. Additionally, she completed multiple seasons in studio artist programs and as a chorus member at Orlando Opera, Palm Beach Opera, and Cincinnati Opera.

 

Brenda has performed, in part or entirety, the roles of both Bess and Serena from Porgy and Bess, Lucia, from Lucia di Lammermoor, both Micaela and Frasquita, from Carmen, Lakme, from Lakme, and many other audience favorites. She also participated in the workshops and world premier of the now-popular opera Margaret Garner, and enjoys the challenge of bringing life to new music. 

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Outside of the classical realm, Brenda continues to make a name for herself in various genres. Since she started dividing her time between the USA and Europe, Brenda 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, vocally supported myriad German stars on televised concerts and variety shows, has been a soloist at the Berlin Philharmonic, . Brenda continues to study privately with her voice teacher, Soprano Delia Surratt, and frequently sings in various venues throughout Italy.. 

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Using skills learned at Northwestern and abroad, Brenda also works extensively in front of the camera. She can be seen and heard in various commericals, television shows, and movies as an actress and/or voiceover artist. Most recently, Brenda embodied the role of the Ambassador to Haiti in Anderes Veiel's Ökozid and of Real Ambrosia in WeirdBaby Production's short, Raising the Stakes. She is featured in national and international commericals and social media spots for Facebook, IKEA, Vly foods, Koawach, June's Journey, and others.

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In addition to her artistic career, Brenda has over 14 years of experience as a nonprofit fundraising professional. She has directly raised more than $25 million and has indirectly raised nearly $1 billion.
Brenda has comprehensive experience in non-profit fundraising, including annual giving, direct mail and e-solicitations, volunteer-led peer-to-peer solicitations and phone-a-thons, major gifts, corporate partnerships/sponsorships, and grants. She is also well-versed in the management of events, volunteers, staff, stewardship processes, as well as management and training responsibility for multiple databases, including Raiser's Edge, Donor Perfect, Salesforce, and Tessitura. Her background in theater boosts her skills in presenting thoughtfully prepared and engaging fundraising concepts to all audiences. 

Brenda has held an active Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential since 2017 and is a current member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Donor Relations Professionals. To learn more about Brenda's off-stage career, visit her LinkedIn page.

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