About

Theater/Opera/Film & TV/Concert/Voice Over

Versatility is the cornerstone of Brian Cheney’s artistry. Hailed by KUSC Los Angeles as the “next great tenor”, Brian has gained international acclaim for his versatility as a true crossover artist. Whether Guest Starring in hit shows like AMERICAN HORROR STORY: NYC or performing sold out concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, Brian is the ideal performing artist as evidenced during his National Philharmonic debut performance of a concert celebrating the music of Leonard Bernstein:

“Cheney is a sultry tenor who excelled with the operatic and jazz stylings of ‘Mass’ and the traditional musical theatre sound of ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Candide.’ His ability to switch genre so effortlessly was astonishing and his performance of “Maria” was riveting.”  (MD Theatre Guide)

In 2023, Brian has added Voice Over Artist to his diverse skill set narrating Suspense/Thriller books on Audible such as Scott Leddy’s ALL THE KING’S MEN, Guy Morris’ SWARM and Barry Napier’s PRESSURE with more in production.

Most recent seasons showcased Brian’s seamless versatility beginning with his creating the role of Victor Frankenstein in sold out performances of Gregg Kallor’s World Premiere of Frankenstein in NYC. Other highlights include his debut with the National Philharmonic as tenor soloist in a concert celebrating the music of Leonard Bernstein, Verdi’s Requiem with Southern Illinois Symphony, and sold out Salute to Vienna Concerts in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston. Additionally, Brian performed Canio in I Pagliacci and Pulcinella with Opera Orlando, Antonin Scalia in Derrick Wang’s Scalia/Ginsburg with Opera Delaware and Radames in Aida with Virginia Opera.

Following Brian’s debut at Carnegie Hall in 2007, he has performed concert works and oratorios throughout the country. The Daily Gazette in Albany, NY had this to say about his recent performance of Handel’s Messiah:

“Tenor Brian Cheney was a revelation. Cheney’s voice was like spun gold. He seemed to dwell on his notes, basking in their loveliness. Each phrase was sculpted, each word was cleanly enunciated. Not just a gorgeous voice, Cheney showed imagination as he altered his colors or use of vibrato.”

Brian has performed numerous times as a soloist at Carnegie Hall including a recent performance of a world premiere and US premiere of Hungarian music with the American Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Leon Botstein. Mr. Cheney also made his Lincoln Center debut as tenor soloist for the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 at Avery Fisher Hall appearing with acclaimed soprano, Jessye Norman. Most recently, he gave a world premiere performance of a song cycle for Tenor and Orchestra, Daniel Steven Crafts’ From a Distant Mesa with the New Mexico Philharmonic. He was praised for his “tone, “expression,” and “lustrous radiance that illuminated the text at every point.”

Brian is also an accomplished recitalist performing recitals and concerts internationally, with performances in cities from Montreal, Vienna, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia to his New York City recital debut at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall. The New York Sun hailed Mr. Cheney’s Weill Hall performance by saying:

“Cheney exhibited such control, expressiveness and pure vocal beauty that he certainly had the full house at Weill Recital Hall in the palm of his hand all evening.”