Countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński Breakdances & Sings For Pepsi Beat

Breakout opera-star Jakub Józef Orliński dances and adds vocals to a new track called "Never Alone" (Nigdy Sam) in a newly-released music video from Warner Music Poland. Known for his high-flying vocal ornamentations of undiscovered Baroque music, the young countertenor is also a well-skilled breakdancer. He puts his beat skills to the test in the high-energy track. Launched to fame with a YouTube performance that went viral (currently at nearly 6 million views...) of Vivaldi's "Vedrò con mio diletto" from Il Giustino, the Juilliard School of Music alumni has become a darling of Europe performing on several tours with Il Pomo d'Oro with whom he has recorded two albums. Check out the discs here. During the time of COVID-19, the Polish singer has done a recital for Aix-en-Provence and concerts with Capella Cracoviensis in Świdnica. Upcoming engagements include a pastiche project staged by Robert Carsen at Dans les Jardins de William Christie Festival in Thiré, France, and a charity concert at Teatr Wielki Opera Narodowa in September.

"Never Alone" (Nigdy Sam) is the second, after the hit 'Where You,' the musical version of the Pepsi Taste The Beat project. Sir Mich again took up the production  and invited a line-up that could only be created on this platform. The first element of this surprising puzzle is Sarius, a top Polish rapper who has taken the Polish scene by storm in recent years. Another is BARANOVSKI, a discovery and great hope for ambitious pop. This absolutely magical trio is complemented by the participation of the repeatedly awarded and delighting countertenor - Jakub Józef Orliński. 'Never Alone' is a pulsating kaleidoscope of talents infecting with positive energy. The publisher of the song is Warner Music Poland and Papaya Films is responsible for the production of the clip directed by  Marcin Starzecki."

"Pepsi Taste The Beat is a timeless music project for those who love music, have their own taste, value their taste and are energized by the energy that lies in beating. This is where we break with the routine, discover the undiscovered, appreciate our sights, cultivate spontaneity and follow our passions! Meet the non-obvious collaborations of artists and a surprising mix of sounds over genres. Get to know a new phenomenon on the Polish music scene. Get carried away by the urban sound. Try this unconventional approach to the subject. This is lifestyle. This is what the city sounds like. This is what Pepsi sounds like. Listen to your taste."

Watch the full video for "Never Alone," the famous "Vedrò" clip, and other videos Jakub has worked on during the quarantine time, after the jump.

[Source, Source, Source]

Former Flautist Promoted to Deutsche Grammophon President

Mark Wilkinson: Amateur to President

"Deutsche Grammophon, the world’s most renowned classical music label, has a new President. Mark Wilkinson is appointed to the post with effect from April 9, assuming command of a 114-year-old company associated with many of the most celebrated musicians in recorded music history, as well as a roster of new, 21st century stars....During his long tenure with Universal Music, Mark Wilkinson has worked with a wide spectrum of UK and international artists. They include Nicola Benedetti, Andrea Bocelli and the afore-mentioned Miloš Karadaglić, Bryn Terfel, Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón, and, more recently, composers Ludovico Einaudi, Eric Whitacre and Paul Mealor. For the past three years, he has been co-Chairman of the UK’s Classic Brits awards. He holds a music degree from the University of Durham, and was an accomplished amateur flautist." [Source] Sounds like the label might see a resurgence in product like this: 

Russell Allen New Chief Executive at Virginia Opera

Chief Executive:
Russell Allen

"A former manager of Virginia Opera, Russell Allen, is returning to take the top administrative post. Starting Sept. 19, Allen will be the chief executive of the statewide opera company. 'I’m absolutely thrilled. He is one of the very best,' said Alan Albert, president of the opera board, by phone on Thursday. Allen is a longtime arts manager who most recently served for three years as executive director of The Washington Ballet. He left that position in June. Other jobs he has had since he was general manager at Virginia Opera, from 1994 to 2000, include executive director of Orlando Ballet....On Thursday the company also launched searches for new artistic and music directors. Virginia Opera fired its longtime artistic director, Peter Mark, in

Artistic Advisor:
Robin Thompson

November. Since then, the company has relied on an artistic adviser, Robin Thompson, formerly with New York City Opera, to guide the season. He will remain in that role during the search. The company expects the search to take a year, and for the new artistic director to be in place for the 2013-2014 season. In the meantime, John Kennelly has been named interim artistic director. Kennelly has been producing director of the opera company since 2000." [Source] Check out profiles of Russell Allen by clicking here and here.

Plácido Domingo les envía saludos!

The 70-year old tenor offers a hearty welcome from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in costume for his role as Oreste in Iphigénie en Tauride. Watch the clip by clicking here.