Anthony Roth Costanzo, the Grammy Award-winning opera star, celebrated the launch of his new book, “Countertenor,” and companion album at the Frick Collection. “‘Frick-ing incredible’ is the phrase that keeps coming to mind,” he said. “To launch this book at the magnificent Frick Collection almost felt like a mirage. It’s a night I will never forget, one that makes me feel like what, I suppose, I now am: a published author surrounded by the best friends a falsetto freak could ever hope to have!”
The evening’s concert, conducted by Dan Schlosberg, featured works by Renaissance composers John Dowland and Thomas Morley, Baroque composer Vivaldi, and contemporary composer Osvaldo Golijov, alongside popular songs such as Lou Christie’s and Twyla Herbert’s “Lightnin’ Strikes” and Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio’s “Walk Like a Man.”
At a reception following the concert, Axel Rüger, the Frick’s Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director, said, “Anthony Roth Costanzo is an extraordinary artist whose curiosity and creativity extend well beyond the opera stage. His ability to bring together music, history, and personal storytelling makes his book especially compelling. We are delighted to welcome him to the Frick for this celebration and to help share his work.” Barbara Tober, who generously underwrote the reception, added, “Anthony has a rare ability to bring people together, and his enthusiasm, wit, and generosity make being part of his world a pleasure. I saw him recently in France. I’ve tickets to see him in Philadelphia. You can’t get enough!”
Director James Ivory, who cast Costanzo in “A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries,” attended, as did actress Leelee Sobieski, Costanzo’s childhood friend and co-star in the film.
“Countertenor” traces the history of a voice type that has helped define contemporary opera for more than half a century. Countertenors inherited a repertoire originally written for castrated men during the Baroque period. The book follows the evolution of that tradition and draws on Costanzo’s own experiences as a performer. He examines the voice through the lenses of gender, sexuality, identity, and artistic expression. The companion album brings these ideas to life through ten tracks spanning Renaissance and Baroque music, opera, traditional Hawaiian music, and contemporary popular songs. It features works by composers including John Dowland, Vivaldi, and Philip Glass, alongside popular selections that reflect the breadth of Costanzo’s musical interests.
For more information or to purchase, visit us.macmillan.com.
