The Mysterious Register: A Journey to the Edge of Possibility
Thurs 2 February 2023, 7.00pm
The May Fair Hotel Theatre, Stratton Street, W1J 8LT
Join us for the UK Premiere of this 90 minute film exploring and celebrating the extraordinary voice of a countertenor.
The Mysterious Register (a documentary film directed by Mike Southon & produced by Jeremy Young) follows Anthony Roth Costanzo and his extraordinary performance in Akhnaten during the 2019 run at the London Coliseum. It follows Constanzo in the the six week rehearsal period up to the first night, as well as looking back on his career through his youth and early film and Broadway appearances, to his introduction to opera and development as an internationally-renowned singer.
Alongside the unique insight into Costanzo and the preparation for ENO’s cutting edge production of Akhnaten, the film reflects on the history of the countertenor voice. From its roots in 17th and 18th century baroque operas, through to it’s modern handling by composers like Britten and Glass, discover how composer have increasingly embraced the unique voice of The Mysterious Register.
Following the film, Anthony Roth Costanzo will join us to share his thoughts and feelings on the film and take questions from the audience to give you an insight into the fascinating subject.
Anthony Roth Costanzo
Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo began performing professionally at the age of 11 and has since appeared in opera, concert, recital, film, and on Broadway. He is a 2022 GRAMMY winner, a recipient of the 2020 Beverly Sills Award from the Metropolitan Opera, a winner of the 2020 Opera News Award, and Musical America’s 2019 Vocalist of the Year.
A multifaceted and engaging performer, early European debuts took Costanzo to the Glyndebourne Festival as Eustazio (Rinaldo), Teatro Real Madrid as Apollo (Death in Venice), English National Opera as Ixbalanqué (Indian Queen), and Finnish National Opera as Spirit/Angel in Saariaho’s Only the sound remains. We are delighted that he is returning to the London Coliseum to reprise his groundbreaking role in Phelim McDermott‘s Olivier Award-winning production of Philip Glass’s Akhnaten.
The May Fair Theatre
The May Fair Theatre is located at The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, W1J 8LT, which is within easy walking distance of both Soho and Mayfair.
The closest underground stations are Green Park and Bond Street.
Local bus routes include the numbers 6, 24 and 38.
Book now
Tickets are £25 each including drinks reception, screening and post-screening Q&A.