Brian was invited in the fall of 2025 by Adam Unger of AllStar Encore to lead a team of arrangers and music direct a concert he was producing at Carnegie Hall on January 13, 2026, featuring opera star tenor Jonathan Tetelman, and NY Yankees legend, jazz guitarist and composer Bernie Williams, a host of guest stars, and musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Brian conducted and also led from the piano, sharing the program with jazz pianist and co-arranger Michael Bernabe, with music ranging from opera and crossover to jazz and American songbook, to Mr William’s own compositions. A yet unproven concept, Adam Unger’s desire to meld the worlds of pro sports and classical music was met with initial skepticism, and then great interest following the evening’s stunning success: a sold out audience, media coverage from the New York Times to Rolling Stone, and financial support from many private donors including the New York Yankees. Carnegie Hall decided to partner with AllStar Encore on a new annual series fusing the worlds of music and sports, featuring the artistry of pro athlete musicians. In the meantime, the Williams and Tetelman program was produced by Florida Grand Opera on May 6, 2026 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, this time featuring local musicians from FGO orchestra, Cuban legend Willy Chirino, and the NFL Pro Players Choir. Future planned appearances include Huntsville, Houston and Boston.
Williams and Tetelman
