English Section

HIGH NOTE :: Jan Jakub Monowid

21.07.2025 21:12
When the "voice of a monster" is a powerful velvety countertenor
Audio
Monsters Voice, Baltic Opera
Monster's Voice, Baltic Opera Anna Rezulak/ KFP

 There were two productions at this year's Baltic Opera Festival in which his fascinating voice could be heard - first to mention "Monster's Voice" by Aleksander Nowak, directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska, in which he cast a striking, poignant and frighteningly tragic figure. (The opera is inspired by the film Europa Europa by Agnieszka Holland, based on the true story of a Jewish boy who miraculously survived the Holocaust as a member of Hitler Youth.)

 He was also an evil presence as the Page in the festival production of Strauss' "Salome" done by Romuald Wicza-Pokojski at the Forest Opera in Sopot. He can be heard in a real variety of modern productions worldwide (from the Baltic Festival going on to Stockholm), as well as in a more obvious repertoire such as Monteverdi or Gluck.    

 Jan Jakub Monowid spoke to Elżbieta Krajewska