Philippe Jaroussky sings Duetti

Philippe Jaroussky is one of the most sought-after singers in the world. Whether he’s singing a Vivaldi opera or a 19^th Century French chanson, Jaroussky’s sweet-toned countertenor is one of the most beautiful voices in all music. Jaroussky partners with Max Cencic, another great young countertenor  and conductor William Christie on Duetti, an album of Italian Baroque chamber cantatas, arias and, you guessed it, duets.

Ariama editor Craig Zeichner spoke with Jaroussky about repertoire, singing with another countertenor and the differences between American and French audiences.

Some Enchanted Evening

David Daniels and Joyce DiDonato, photo by Nick Heavican/Met Opera

The Enchanted Island, a pastiche of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream with music by Handel, Vivaldi, Rameau and others, may not look like such a great idea on paper. But when you factor in some A+ list singers, a superstar conductor, spectacular staging and a clever libretto (setting new words to the old arias and recitatives), you have the makings of an enchanted evening.

Baroque Brilliance from Les Arts Florissants

Atys and chorus

How often do you step out into the night air after nearly five hours of music and wish that you could go back into the hall and listen for five hours more? If you were one of the fortunate few who had tickets for the Les Arts Florissants production of Jean Baptiste Lully’s opera Atys at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) you’ll know what I’m talking about.