Brian Keith Smith Jr. is a classically trained baritone-bass, born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and a pioneering member of the Kansas City Boys Choir (1995). He is a 2002 graduate of Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, where he performed with both the Chamber Choir and Show Choir under the direction of Angelee Colley-Jackson.
Brian continued his vocal studies at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, performing with the esteemed Dillard University Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. S. Carver Davenport. In Spring 2006, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Music and is proud to be a member of Dillard University’s first post–Hurricane Katrina graduating class.
After returning to Kansas City in 2006, Brian was selected to perform with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Chorus for the 2007 production of Aida under the direction of Ward Holmquist. He later returned for the 2017 production of Dead Man Walking under Steven Osgood. He currently studies under the vocal direction of Prenicia Clifton and Tony Fischbach and serves as a song leader at his church home, Swope Parkway Church of Christ.
While building a successful career in the insurance industry, Brian has continued to cultivate his musical craft. He is honored to share his gift both locally and abroad and looks forward to future opportunities to perform again with Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
