Nicholas Tamagna is a globally celebrated countertenor, renowned for his expressive power in Baroque and early music, as well as his fearless ventures into contemporary repertoire. Known for his striking stage presence and deep musical insight, Tamagna has brought iconic roles to life on some of the world’s most prestigious opera stages.
In 2020, he made a remarkable debut at the Metropolitan Opera, followed by his 2024 debut at the San Francisco Opera—two milestones that have defined his dynamic career and international recognition.
A Leading Interpreter of Händel and Early Baroque Roles
Over the course of his career, Nicholas Tamagna has developed a deep affinity with the works of George Frideric Händel, bringing to life a wide array of roles that showcase both his vocal virtuosity and emotional sensitivity. His interpretations have been praised for their rich musicality, dramatic insight, and stylistic authenticity, making him a sought-after countertenor across Europe and beyond.
Among his signature Händel roles are Ruggiero in Alcina, Rodrigo in Rodrigo, Orlando in Orlando, and the dual heroes Rinaldo and Goffredo in Rinaldo. In Partenope, he portrayed the melancholic and lovelorn Armindo with poetic warmth, and as Adalberto in Ottone, he brought a fiery presence to one of Händel’s more intense supporting characters. His compelling interpretations of Bertarido and Unulfo in Rodelinda further highlight his command of emotional depth and ornamented line, while his portrayals of Nireno and Tolomeo in Giulio Cesare have each offered dramatically distinct readings of courtly intrigue.
Tamagna’s concert work in Händel’s oratorios is equally celebrated. His performances in oratorios such as Messiah, Samson, and Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno have revealed his elegant phrasing, rhetorical clarity, and expressive range—from shimmering pianissimi to powerful declamation. Whether in the context of fully staged productions or concert settings, Tamagna brings a richly human quality to every character and scene.
Early Baroque Roots: Monteverdi and Beyond
While best known for his Händel interpretations, Tamagna also draws from earlier 17th-century repertoire with equal expertise. He garnered critical praise for his performance as Ottone in L’incoronazione di Poppea by Claudio Monteverdi, where reviewers highlighted his “sumptuous, earthy alto timbre” and “emotional honesty.” His ability to convey vulnerability and internal conflict made Ottone’s journey especially poignant in this landmark of early opera.
His portrayal of Silvio in Händel’s early pastoral opera Il pastor fido has also stood out for its youthful lyricism and period-informed ornamentation. These early Baroque roles form an essential part of his artistic identity and reflect his scholarly engagement with historical performance practices. He also has explored lesser known composers such as Legrenzi in the highly-acclaimed Pinchgut Production (2023) where he sang the title role in Il Giustino.
Recordings & Musical Innovation
His discography includes collaborations with Parnassus Arts Productions, Le Poème Harmonique, and composers like Raphael Fusco and Jessica Meyer. He is featured on the groundbreaking project Sultans of Opera—a fusion of Baroque opera with Turkish and Mongolian musical traditions—and the album Donne all’Opera with the ENEA Barock Orchestra.
In 2025, he will be featured at the Estonian Music Days Festival, premiering a new composition written for him by Liisa Hõbepappel, further establishing his versatility and commitment to new music.
Educator & Mentor
A passionate educator, Tamagna has been a regularly invited teacher at the Baroque Vocal Academy at the University of Mainz, working alongside soprano Elisabeth Scholl and conductor Paul Goodwin. His holistic teaching approach bridges historically informed performance with contemporary vocal techniques, guiding young singers toward vocal excellence in the repertoire. He maintains a private studio and has been invited to give masterclasses at several educational institutions in Europe and the USA.
Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Tamagna continues to collaborate with Parnassus Arts Productions on several upcoming productions. One highlight includes a revival of Leonardo Vinci’s Alessandro nell’Indie, scheduled for performance at Theater an der Wien in Austria in 2026, as well as singing the role of La Befana in Florian Leopold Gassman’s l’Opera Seria under the direction of Christophe Rousset. He will return as Orfeo, a role in which he triumphed at the Israeli Opera in 2024, with Opera in Williamsburg.
Global Artist with Deep Roots
A native of New York City, Tamagna holds dual citizenship in Italy and the United States. Now based in Germany, he works as a freelance artist while maintaining a less than part-time residence in New York with his husband, nurturing artistic ties across continents.
