Voci Bianche

Countertenor Maarten Engeltjes and his baroque ensemble PRJCT Amsterdam delve into the world of the castrati. The Flemish author and podcaster Daan Esch tells the story of castrati such as Farinello and Senesino. Valer Sabadus, today’s countertenor sensation, joins Engeltjes to perform both timeless classics and lesser known pieces. A semi-staged performance about the triumph and tragedy of the castrati. 

For nearly three centuries, the opera stage was dominated by castrati. This high male voice, a result of castration, was especially prevalent in southern European countries. This was largely due to the fact that women were forbidden to perform in public by Catholic powers during the early Baroque period. The practice of castration led to great dramas and equally great triumphs. And to masterful arias such as Handel’s Lascia ch’io pianga from Rinaldo.