Michael Maniaci
Michael Maniaci (born May 3, 1976) is an American opera singer. Possessing a male soprano voice, Maniaci is noted for his claim to be able to sing into the upper soprano range without resorting to falsetto, an otherwise common phonation for men who sing in high registers, such as countertenors. Although this was possible for castrati because of the hormonal imbalance following castration, Maniaci claims that, for some unknown reason, his larynx did not develop and lengthen completely during puberty, causing his voice not to "break" in the usual manner. Maniaci claims that this physical particularity has given him the ability to sing in the soprano register without sounding like a typical countertenor or a female singer.[1] There are, however, critics who claim that Maniaci actually sings in falsetto.[2]
Maniaci is becoming an important presence on the international classical music scene, having already appeared in lead roles at companies such as the
Biography
Early life
Maniaci spent his early childhood in the American Midwest. During his early teens, his family relocated to Western Pennsylvania and resided in Peters Township, a small community located approximately twenty miles south of Pittsburgh. During his middle school years, Maniaci began to develop his musical skills within numerous school musicals, as well as a variety of community musical groups. He attended Peters Township High School, and graduated with the class of 1994.
Education
Michael Maniaci graduated from the
In 1999, he won the
Career
In the 2001–2002 season, Maniaci made his
In 2004, Maniaci portrayed the role of Cherubino in
In 2008, Maniaci performed the role of Idamante in Mozart's
In 2010, Maniaci originated the role of
Maniaci has also had a prolific concert schedule. His orchestral engagements have included appearances with Tafelmusik, the New Holland Baroque Orchestra, the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, and a tour with Academie Baroque de Montréal throughout Canada and Germany. Maniaci has also performed with Boston Baroque and toured throughout Asia with the Shanghai Opera Orchestra. He has also been heard in concert with L'Opéra de Montréal.
In 2011, Maniaci played the role of Sesto, alongside Measha Brueggergosman as Vitellia, in Opera Atelier's production of La Clemenza di Tito in Toronto, Canada. He received a standing ovation on opening night, April 22, 2011. In 2014 he made his debut with the Cincinnati Opera as Endymion in La Calisto.[8]
Recording
- Meyerbeer: Il crociato in Egitto (Michael Maniaci, Teatro La Fenice; Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume). Dynamic DV 33549 DVD.
- Mozart: Arias for Male Soprano (Michael Maniaci, Telarc International, TEL-31827-02. Released January 26, 2010.
References
- ^ a b The man with the 300-year-old voice – Times Online
- ^ David Laviska, "Mozart Arias for Male Soprano," musicalcriticism.com, February 2010, retrieved December 2015. "Regardless of the label he chooses for himself however, like all counter-tenors, Maniaci sings exclusively in falsetto."
- ^ a b Opera Today : An Interview With Michael Maniaci
- ^ "Michael Maniaci: male soprano". Archived from the original on December 17, 2007. Retrieved December 9, 2007.
- ^ "Glimmerglass review". Archived from the original on January 13, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2008.
- ^ "Michael Maniaci". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved March 29, 2008.
- ^ Opera Today, 02 November 2008
- ^ Janelle Gelfand (July 13, 2014). "The love of 'La Calisto'". www.cincinnati.com.
External links
- Michael Maniaci at Fletcher Artist Management
- Michael Maniaci sings Mozart's "Tu virginum corona" ( This is a historically informed performance. )
- Michael Maniaci Operabase
- Soprano Michael Maniaci Sings Mozart's "Esultate Jubilate": K 165, Allegro
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
