Pera Prelude: From Handel's Castrati To The Modern Countertenor Era

Alex Chance, countertenor

Countertenors these days are no strangers to the opera stage. In modern productions of Handel operas, there will often be two countertenors singing roles originally written for castrati or mezzo-sopranos. What explains this relatively recent proliferation? And what actually is a countertenor voice?

This talk will explore the relationship between Handel and the singers who originally sang these high male roles, and then attempt to address the question of why countertenors are now dominating the scene.

Opera Prelude is a small charity passionate about supporting young professional opera singers who give recitals in London. These friendly and inclusive events will introduce you to the international opera singers of tomorrow by way of recitals, concerts and masterclasses.