American tenor Brian Mengler has been praised for his “soaring and free” voice, “passionate acting,” and “extremely natural comedic timing.” With a broad range of experience, he is entering the operatic world as a flexible lyric tenor, performing roles from Mozart’s Don Ottavio to Puccini’s Rinuccio and Luigi.

Born just outside of Chicago, Illinois, Brian holds a BA in Music Education from North Central College in Naperville. It was there he discovered his dual passions: performing and developing young singers. During his undergraduate years, he enjoyed ample performance opportunities, including roles such as Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi), Prince Hilarion (Princess Ida), High Priest Annas (Jesus Christ Superstar), and Monsieur Gilles André (The Phantom of the Opera). After graduation, he immersed himself in Chicago’s vibrant theater scene, sharpening his stagecraft through performances in plays, musicals, and operetta.

Eventually drawn to opera, Brian relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, where he continued his development as a Post-Baccalaureate Artist in Residence at the College of Charleston and as an inaugural Rising Artist with Charleston Opera Theater. While in Charleston, he expanded his repertoire with roles such as Tamino (Die Zauberflöte) and Don Basillio (Don Giovanni) and reprised Rinuccio, in addition to a diverse array of scene work. He also had the opportunity to study with and perform alongside internationally renowned professionals including Harold Meers, Saundra DeAthos, Morris Robinson, Michael Chioldi, Dominic Chenes, and Paul Sanchez.

To further his education, Brian earned a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the esteemed University of North Texas, studying with William Joyner. While there, he performed roles such as Alfred (Die Fledermaus) and Prunier (La Rondine), and participated in a variety of operatic and oratorio scenes. He also performed with Fort Worth Opera at the historic Bass Hall and participated in masterclasses with soprano Laura Claycomb and director Claire Choquette.

Brian made his international debut with Opera Al Mare in Italy, a program offered through Opera Vermont. In 2024, he sang Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), and returned the following year for his third Rinuccio and for Luigi (Il tabarro).

This fall, Brian is set to make his professional role debut as Roberto in Le Villi with Opera Vermont. He has also appeared as a soloist with Fox Valley Opera, Opera West, Sinfonietta Bel Canto, Elgin Master Chorale, and numerous church organizations across the country.