Brett Barnes, baritone

Mr. Barnes, a native of San Antonio, TX, has traveled around the United States and Europe performing opera, symphonic and choral works in some of the world’s greatest venues. Described as a “voice with both power and beauty,” Brett maintains an active singing career in addition to his professional responsibilities. His numerous performances include solo engagements with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Opera, San Antonio Symphony and Pops, Chorus Austin, Texas Early Music Project, Conspirare, The Houston Masterworks Chorale, Festival Institute at Round Top, Victoria Bach Festival, the Richardson Symphony, La Follia, Capital City Men’s Chorus, Austin Community College and Concordia University Chorus and Orchestra. In 2016-2017, Mr. Barnes will be appearing in Austin Opera’s 30th Anniversary Season in the Texas Premiere of The Manchurian Candidate in September and in Daughter of the Regiment in January 2017. Later this month, he will be featured with the Capital City Men’s Chorus.

By day, Mr. Barnes is the Vice President of Development at the Long Center, Austin’s Creative Home. Brett has earned the coveted credentials of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Certified Fund Raising Manager (CFRM). He is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Austin; a 2009 McBee Fellow; and was awarded the Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year in 2013 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Austin. Civically, he continues his ten-year role on the Austin Arts Commission, where he has served as Past Chair and is currently the liaison to the Art in Public Places Panel. Brett frequently serves on local, state and national arts review panels and is an adjudicator at the local and state levels for UIL Solo & Ensemble contest. In addition to this, he is a cantor and soloist at St. Mary Cathedral. Brett shares is home with his adorable Schnoodle, Ellie Belle.