Brian Mulligan, an Irish-American baritone, has garnered international acclaim for his powerful voice and compelling stage presence. With a repertoire spanning over 60 roles in seven languages, Mulligan is celebrated for his interpretations of both classic and contemporary works.
Early Life and Education
Born in Endicott, New York, to Irish parents, Mulligan holds dual citizenship with the United States and Ireland. He pursued vocal studies at Yale University and the Juilliard School, where he was mentored by esteemed teachers such as Dale Moore, Beverley Peck Johnson, and W. Stephen Smith. His formative years also included summers at the Aspen Music Festival and School, Wolf Trap Opera, and the Steans Institute at the Ravinia Festival.
Professional Debut and Career Highlights
Mulligan made his professional debut at the Metropolitan Opera in December 2003, performing the role of Der Wächter in “Die Frau ohne Schatten” while still a student at Juilliard. This auspicious beginning led to engagements with prestigious opera houses worldwide, including:
- Vienna State Opera: Debuted as Balstrode in “Peter Grimes”
- San Francisco Opera: Debuted as Marcello in “La bohème”
- Zurich Opera House: Debuted as Yeletsky in “Pique Dame”
- Lyric Opera of Chicago: Debuted as Enrico in “Lucia di Lammermoor”.
- Frankfurt Opera: Debuted as Prospero in Adès’ “The Tempest”
- Los Angeles Opera: Debuted as Prometheus in “Die Vögel”
His versatility extends to concert performances with leading orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, and Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Notable Roles and Performances
Mulligan’s diverse repertoire encompasses both traditional and modern compositions. Some of his most notable roles include:
- Jack Torrance in the world premiere of Paul Moravec’s “The Shining” at Minnesota Opera. His portrayal was lauded for its depth and intensity, with critics noting his ability to make audiences forget previous interpretations of the character.
- Richard Nixon in John Adams’ “Nixon in China” at San Francisco Opera, where his performance was praised for its vocal strength and nuanced characterization.
- Sweeney Todd in Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” at San Francisco Opera, showcasing his adaptability across genres.
He has also excelled in roles such as Enrico in “Lucia di Lammermoor” at Canadian Opera Company, English National Opera, and Washington National Opera; the title role in “Hamlet” at Minnesota Opera; and Valentin in “Faust” at the Metropolitan Opera, Zurich Opera House, and San Francisco Opera.
Recent and Upcoming Engagements
In the 2024/25 season, Mulligan is scheduled to perform:
- The Dutchman in “Der fliegende Holländer” at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam with the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest under Jaap van Zweden.
- Don Pizarro in “Fidelio” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
- Der Wanderer in “Siegfried” with the Hangzhou Philharmonic in China under Markus Stenz.
Recordings and Accolades
Mulligan’s discography includes a debut solo album featuring two song cycles by Dominick Argento: “The Andrée Expedition” and “From the Diary of Virginia Woolf,” released by Naxos Records in August 2017. This recording received critical acclaim, with Opera News naming it a Critics Choice in February 2018. His second album, “Old Fashioned,” is set for release by Bridge Records in January 2019, featuring early 20th-century songs popularized by renowned American baritones.
Throughout his career, Mulligan has been recognized for his rich vocal timbre, impeccable diction, and the emotional depth he brings to his performances. As The Washington Post noted, “Mulligan is a big man with a big voice. His baritone is almost embarrassingly rich in its low and middle registers, with a high range and head voice of bell-like purity. His diction is flawless. Most importantly, he imbues every syllable with unmistakable meaning and purpose.”
With a career marked by versatility and excellence, Brian Mulligan continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the leading baritones of his generation.