The young countertenor of international fame (who is also a professional breakdancer) Jakub Józef Orliński, has won an International Classical Music Award 2021 in the “Baroque Vocal” category for his new album Anima Æterna, which is the Latin for “eternal soul”. 

The album was built around the works of lesser-known sacral music composers from the 18th century. It includes pieces by Georg Friedrich Handel, Bartolomeo Nucci, Johann Joseph Fux, Francisco Antonio de Alameida, Jan Zelenka, and Gennaro Manna. 

Jakub Józef Orliński laureatem International Classical Music Awards za album „Anima Aeterna” https://t.co/Cp8gFQS6cm pic.twitter.com/HIcZQZR9kp

— Dzieje.pl (@dziejepl) January 18, 2022

Orliński’s 2021 year was has been a success story all along. The 31-year-old star began by receiving an International Opera Award, and ended it with his debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera in Matthew Aucoin’s Eurydice, with a libretto by Sarah Ruhl. 

On 31st January 2022, the breakdancing countertenor will make his debut at the Royal Opera House in London. In turn, yet another album with his participation is set to be released in March.

The ICMA is the continuation of the MIDEM Classical Awards (1994–2010). It has been awarded since 2011. The awards ceremony is held in a different city every year. 

In 2018, a gala was held in Katowice, at the Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra. This year’s ICMA Awards Gala will be held at the Luxembourg Philharmonic on the 21st of April.

Cover photo: Instagram jakub.jozef.orlinski

Author: Sebastien Meuwissen

From the editor: In December the Polish singer made his successful debut at the Metropolitan Opera of New York. You can read about it in our article.