Michael Maniaci is hilarious. He’s very animated, outgoing, and offers up plenty of enjoyable conversation. I first met him in the fall of 2009 to discuss his album, “Mozart: Arias forMale Soprano” (Telarc). When I’ve talked about his album to friends, even my “music friends” ask what the deal is with his voice. ”Is he a countertenor?” they ask. ”No.” ”And he’s a GUY, right?” “Yes.” ”Did he have his -” “No,” I quickly answer. For whatever reason, his voice didn’t “break” in the usual manner when he was a teenager.
What’s amazing is he was blessed with a serious musical gift to make the very best out of his unusual voice – which is as high as a soprano (he has a high C) but with the strength and power of a man. He’s as close to sounding like the castrato of an era gone by. To see Michael explain, please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2liGFJFuGk
This CD, recorded with Boston Baroque under its founding maestro, Martin Pearlman, is Michael’s debut recording. It’s on the Telarc label, and is available in Canada and the US on Tuesday, January 26th.
I’ll keep you posted on future visits to Toronto. And you bet when Michael’s in town, he can be spotted chowing down on Fune’s Mountain Rolls with me in tow.