French star in Angel Place

French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky will be in Sydney as the guest soloist for Vivaldi Olympia, the concert that launches the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra season at the City Recital Hall from February 19.

Paddington local Paul Dyer, the Brandenburg’s artistic director, said that in the last 20 years two countertenors have become huge stars bringing the hits of the castrati back into the spotlight.

One is the great Andreas Scholl. The other is Jaroussky, famously described as having “the tone of an angel and the virtuosity of the devil”.

Dyer, who has just returned from overseas to the news that the Brandenburg Orchestra’s Handel Concerti Grossi 2009 ARIA Award-winning CD has been selected CD of the month by both Gramophone and Classic FM magazines, said the 29-year-old was “very special”.

“Philippe has such a mature voice without the heaviness of an older person,” Dyer said.“There is such an agility to his voice that he can fly around so accurately. It’s thrilling to listen to. And when he’s singing lovesick moments of drama, he really touches your heart as well.”

Indeed, the charismatic, virtuosic and handsome Jaroussky has attained the status of superstar in France where his recordings have gone gold.

A relative newcomer, he was named French Opera Singer of the Year, beating some of opera’s biggest stars and a YouTube clip of his performance at the awards is approaching a million views.

“His career has really forged ahead. I brought him to Australia two years ago and he was virtually unknown. But by the end of the week he was with us, box office increased dramatically and we sold out the final shows through word of mouth,” Dyer said.

It seems Sydneysiders have long memories with Vivaldi Olympia fast selling out. Jaroussky will perform at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place on February 19, 20, 24, 26, and 27 at 7pm. To book: City Recital Hall Box Office (02) 8256 2222 or Brandenburg Box Office (02) 9328 7581.