Brett Sprague

Ensemble: (Current) Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, (Former) Theater Erfurt

Freelancer: Semperoper Dresden, Luzerner Theater, Kroatisches Nationaltheater Rijeka, Konzert Theater St. Gallen

American tenor Brett Sprague has established himself as one of the brightest emerging tenors in his repertoire, having been lauded for his performance in leading roles for his eloquent lyricism, stark dramatic vocalism, extreme stamina, and intense physical storytelling. In the 2024/25 season, Mr. Sprague joined the ensemble at Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, performing Mark in Ethel Smyth's The Wreckers under director Keith Warner. His subsequent engagements include Alfred in Die Fledermaus and Ferrando in Così fan tutte. He returned to the Croatian National Theater Rijeka for a gala featuring Bizet, Janáček, and Britten, concluding with selections from Peter Grimes. Upcoming performances include Lensky in Eugene Onegin, the title role in Germany's premiere of Jonathan Dove's opera Itch, and a solo recital dedicated to 20th-century English composers. Mr. Sprague will also debut at Luzerner Theater as Peter Grimes to open the 2025/26 season.

During his tenure at Theater Erfurt (2019–2024), Mr. Sprague portrayed pivotal roles, notably Peter Grimes, Hoffmann in Les contes d’Hoffmann (also marking his Semperoper Dresden debut), and Loge in Das Rheingold, performed in Erfurt and Rijeka. His noteworthy performances included Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings with Sinfonieorchester St. Gallen, Verdi’s Requiem, and a Britten-focused recital. His portrayal of Orestes in Felix Weingartner's rediscovered opera garnered a finalist nomination at the International Opera Awards. Additional roles at Erfurt included Nicholas Gage in the world premiere of Eleni, Néoclès in Le siège de Corinthe, and Ernesto in Don Pasquale.

Since beginning his career in Europe in 2019 as Lord Barrat in Der junge Lord at Munich’s Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz, Mr. Sprague has expanded his reputation in both opera and concert repertoire. Recent concert highlights include Carmina Burana with orchestras such as the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Poland, Göteborgs Symfoniker, and Tampere Filharmonia, with upcoming performances in Oslo and Paris. He has also received acclaim for Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle with Jena Philharmonie and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with Philharmonisches Orchester Erfurt.

Prior to his European engagements, Mr. Sprague built a notable presence in American opera, premiering roles in contemporary works with Indianapolis Opera, Opera Colorado, and OnSite Opera New York, among others. His formative years included roles such as Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Don José in Carmen, and resident artist engagements with Opera Colorado and Chautauqua Opera. Mr. Sprague holds a Master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor’s from Chapman University. His accomplishments include awards from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Seattle Opera Guild, Anita Cerquetti Competition, CareerBridges, and the Joan Taub Ades Vocal Competition.