Christopher Robson (/ˈrɔːbsən/; born 1953[1]) is a Scottish countertenor.[2]
Robson studied trumpet alongside voice early in his career.[3] As a singer, he debuted in the English National Opera production of L'Orfeo in 1981.[1][2] In 1984, Robson performed the role of the titular pharaoh in the US premiere of the Philip Glass opera Akhnaten with the Houston Grand Opera in 1984.[4] In contrast to Paul Esswood's portrayal at the world premiere in Stuttgart, Robson appeared on stage in Houston in a convincingly nude bodystocking that speculated on androgynous ancient depictions of the pharaoh.[5] Robson performed the role with the New York City Opera in the same year,[6] and performed the role again the following year in the opera's British premiere with the English National Opera.[7] In 1995, Robson performed the role of Arsamane in the Lyric Opera of Chicago's first production of Händel's Serse,[3] and performed the role again in 1997 in Munich under the direction of Ivor Bolton.[8]
Robson served on the jury for the ARD International Music Competition in 2024.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Biography". christopher-robson.com.
- ^ a b Oron, Aryeh; Robson, Christopher (2006). "Christopher Robson (Counter-tenor)". Bach Cantatas Website.
- ^ a b Robson, Christopher (1995). "Countertenor Christopher Robson — A Conversation with Bruce Duffie" (Interview). Interviewed by Duffie, Bruce.
- ^ Skelly, Eric (2006-08-17). "Countertenor Leads". Houston Public Media.
- ^ Rugger, David G. (2018). Seeing the Voice, Hearing the Body: Countertenors, Voice Type, and Identity (Thesis). Indiana University. p. 293.
- ^ Henahan, Donal (1984-11-06). "City Opera: 'Akhnaten', Story of Egyptian Ruler". New York Times.
- ^ James, Barry (1985-07-07). "Philip Glass's new opera is London sensation". UPI.
- ^ https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-4631/
- ^ Salazar, Francisco (2024-09-17). "ARD Competition Announces 2024 Winners". OperaWire.