I even sang some countertenor myself (Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms). I loved David Daniels when I saw him live (in the ’90s) in L’incoronazione di Poppea at Florida Grand Opera in Miami. However, I find many countertenor to “hooty” for my tastes (and lacking in correct chest coordination for the low notes).

Now we have a new generation of sopranists who can easliy go above the staff with ease and power, like Bruno de Sá. Recently, I came across a new member of that select group: Dennis Orellana. Only 25, he won the first Farinelli competition in 2024 and has had a number of appearances in concert as well as concert and staged operas. He has also expanded his repertoire from beyond the standard Baroque to include roles written for a female mezzo, including Mozart (Cherubino in a staged production) and this selection from Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi.

It displays his range (going to a low note with correct chest coordination) and his unusually strong and rich middle voice. As he gets higher, his voice does not thin. Instead, it seems to expand with more resonance and gets even fuller. And then there is “THAT NOTE” (at 5:20) – a true “drop the cat and rewind the recording” moment! Is it dementia or filth? Yes, it’s a little shrill and not as “round” a sound as his other notes – BUT IT’S A ****ING HIGH D! (take that Janet Baker). Shirley Verrett could have certainly done this, but it would have been risky for most mezzos who sang this role.