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Unmasking the Castrato

Sunday 6 July 2025

In the Utzon Room

Classical Music

"Unmasking the Castrato" promises to be an unforgettable experience of music and virtuosic singing that celebrates the legendary voices of the castrati, whose powerful sound once captivated audiences across Europe.

When a concert leaves you feeling excited and energised for hours afterwards, you know it was an exceptionally good one.

Len Power

Useful information:

Powerful voices, historical performances, captivating emotion, breathtaking talent!

Soprano Ayşe Göknur Shanal will be joined by counter-tenor Tobias Cole, one of the leading proponents of Baroque music, to give an unmatched performance of repertoire made famous by the Castrati, such as Farinelli, but performed seldom, due to the demanding vocal pyrotechnics required. 

This exciting performance features stunning works by Vivaldi, Handel, Monteverdi, Broschi, and Hasse—composers who wrote for these extraordinary voices. Audiences will be transported to a time when the Castrati were the undisputed stars of the stage, their voices soaring with unmatched clarity and brilliance. 

With evocative arias, virtuosic performances, and historical insights, the audience is invited to rediscover this incredible period of musical history in all its grandeur and drama. 

Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of this unique and exhilarating repertoire, by artists, who were trained at the Metropolitan Opera.

Presented by Artists for Peace

Artists

Ayşe Göknur Shanal
Soprano

Tobias Cole
Counter-Tenor

Karella Mitchell
Cello

Joanna Tondys-Butler
Harpsichord

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