In 1991, Brian Asawa's career was launched when he became the first countertenor to win the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. He was the first countertenor Adler Fellow for San Francisco Opera, became the first countertenor to win the Placido Domingo "Operalia" International Opera Competition. He was also awarded Seattle Opera's Artist of the Year Award for his portrayal of Arsamene in Handel's Xerxes.
First countertenor ever to win the Met Opera National Councils – Grand Finals
Only countertenor ever to win Placido Domingo’s Operalia – World Opera Contest
First countertenor Merolino & Adler Fellow –
San Francisco Opera