Bryan Hymel is an American tenor. He attended Loyola University in New Orleans, where he received his bachelor's degree in vocal performance, and he pursued further studies at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. Winner of the Aspen Music Festival's Verdi Aria Competition at 19, Hymel also competed in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, where he was a grand finalist. Hymel's professional operatic debut as the Philistine messenger in the New Orleans Opera's production of Samson et Dalila was followed by roles in Lucia di Lammermoor, Il tabarro, and Gianni Schicchi. By 2007, he was performing internationally, appearing at the Wexford Festival Opera, the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, the Canadian Opera Company, the English National Opera, Opéra National de Bordeaux, the Netherlands Opera, and La Scala. He has recorded for Opus Arte and Warner Classics. ~ Blair Sanderson