Noted by Opera News for his “dark bass and strong dramatic energy,” Brian Kontes continues to perform throughout the United States and abroad. Mr. Kontes began the 2025–2026 season singing the role of Doctor Bartolo in Il barbiere di Siviglia at Sarasota Opera. He then joined the Grand Junction Symphony in Colorado for their double bill performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and Florence Price's Song of Hope. Afterward, he made his company debut at Florentine Opera as the Commendatore in Don Giovanni. He then returned to Sarasota Opera in early 2026 for his first Benoit in La Bohème as well as reprising the role of Elder McLean in Carlisle Floyd's Susannah. Most recently, he was a featured soloist with the Dearborn Symphony for their season-ending performance of Verdi's Requiem. Later in 2026, he will reprise the role of Don Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia at Kentucky Opera. While there, he will also perform Verdi's Requiem. Previous recent seasons included singing the Sacristan in Tosca at Pittsburgh Opera as well as Don Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia.