大象传媒

The Polish countertenor Jakub J贸zef Orli艅ski is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after performers on opera stages and in concert halls around the world. A YouTube video of him singing Vivaldi has had more than 5 million views, his many prizes include a recent Gramophone Classical Music Award and he鈥檚 released 2 critically acclaimed albums.

And he鈥檚 not just known as a singer- he also has an impressive record as a breakdancer and a fashion model.

Earlier this year, Jakub was preparing to sing the title role in Handel鈥檚 opera Tolomeo at the Badisches Staatstheater in the German city of Karlsruhe. Emma Kingsley joined him there to watch him in rehearsal and to hear how he goes about not just perfecting his singing voice, but also writing his own musical ornaments and cadenzas for the solos and duets that he will be performing for these performances and the production鈥檚 revival in 2021.

Presented and produced by Emma Kingsley for the 大象传媒 World Service

Photograph of Jakub J贸zef Orli艅ski (credits: Honorata Karapuda/Chi Chi Ude)