This year’s Glimmerglass Festival, which concluded on August 23rd, marked the beginning of a new era under the direction of Robert Ainsley. However, it will likely be remembered as the summer of Anthony Roth Costanzo. The acclaimed counter tenor not only performed the lead role in six shows of Handel’s “Rinaldo,” but also served as the artist in residence. This role, previously held by soprano Deborah Voigt in 2011, is vaguely defined. However, for Costanzo, it was a familiar experience since he had previously been a part of the Young Artists program in 2008 and had performed with the company on three other occasions.
In addition to his opera career, Costanzo has established himself as a multifaceted artist, commissioning videos and collaborating with rock stars. With the support and encouragement of Ainsley, he brought this entrepreneurial spirit to Cooperstown. In just a few weeks, he orchestrated a variety show titled “An Evening with Anthony Roth Costanzo,” featuring members of the Young Artists program. As a last-minute addition to the festival, he also performed a concert with renowned rock singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant.
Costanzo credits his time at Glimmerglass as instrumental in shaping his operatic career. He explains, “I didn’t want to be confined to the traditional boundaries of opera, but rather be a part of it while also pushing its boundaries. Glimmerglass taught me how to operate at the highest level of craftsmanship and inspired me to revitalize the art form.” Reflecting on his journey, Costanzo met with the current Young Artists as a group, recalling his own experience 15 years ago. Unlike the exclusive focus on opera success during his time, today’s most successful opera singers, such as Joyce DiDonato, Renee Fleming, Angel Blue, and Will Liverman, are creating unique projects and expanding the boundaries of the genre.
During the performance of “An Evening with…” on August 11th, the audience experienced a delightful camaraderie and a diverse repertoire. Costanzo, serving as the host, wore a sparkling gold sleeveless jean jacket and performed half a dozen songs. The lineup included Broadway classics, inventive arrangements of Mozart and Puccini, and unexpected selections from artists such as Stevie Nicks, Peggy Lee, and Edith Piaf. Accompanied by music director Grant Wenaus and four dancers, Costanzo even incorporated acrobatics into his performance, culminating in a heartening mash-up of Harold Arlen’s “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again.”
Now at the age of 41, Costanzo’s career spans over 30 years. As a child, he had the opportunity to sing with icons like Michael Jackson and Debbie Gibson. He understudied roles on Broadway and appeared in the Merchant-Ivory film “A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries.” During his time at Princeton, he embarked on an ambitious senior thesis, encompassing various art forms, dance, and film. This experience laid the groundwork for his future interdisciplinary collaborations and organizational skills. His recent project, “Glass/Handel,” involved releasing his first CD, “ARC,” which alternated selections from the two composers. Costanzo collaborated with Les Violons du Roy, conducted by Jonathan Cohen, and various artists to create digital and live content, enriching the overall experience.
One of Costanzo’s career highlights includes the American premiere of Phelim McDermott’s production of Glass’ opera “Akhnaten,” in which he played the lead role. After causing a sensation in London in 2016, the production enjoyed a sold-out run at the Metropolitan Opera, winning a Grammy. In May, Costanzo will return to the Met to portray the mythical hero in Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice.”
Costanzo’s mission is to enliven opera through interdisciplinary collaborations with artists who inspire him. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and actively seeks opportunities to push the boundaries of the art form. During our interview, conducted on a picnic bench outside the Glimmerglass rehearsal hall, Costanzo wore grey overalls designed by Issey Miyake. Following our conversation, I had the privilege of observing a three-hour evening rehearsal where Costanzo and Natalie Merchant, accompanied by her band members, worked with the Young Artists program and members of the Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra. The concert, which took place on July 30th, featured a carefully curated program of 14 numbers, including the premiere of “Cantico,” a setting of a poem by St. Francis of Assisi in his Umbrian dialect of Italian.
Merchant expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with Costanzo, praising his astounding voice and warm personality. She appreciated the opportunity to hear her songs performed as art songs rather than pop songs. For Costanzo, the collaboration allowed him to explore singing in a way that felt authentic while showcasing his organizational and marketing skills.
In summary, Anthony Roth Costanzo’s journey exemplifies his commitment to revitalizing opera while pushing its boundaries. His collaborations and entrepreneurial spirit have paved the way for unique and innovative projects within the genre. As he continues to explore interdisciplinary collaborations and enchant audiences with his extraordinary talent, Costanzo remains an inspiring force in the world of opera.
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