Jakub Józef Orliński
Where opera meets breakdancing
Jakub Józef Orliński is a Polish countertenor with a voice of “unearthly beauty”, whose accomplishments go beyond music to the art of breakdancing.
Connecting to new audiences
Jakub Józef Orliński seamlessly blends Baroque vocal mastery with performances often laced with the acrobatics of breakdance.
His appearances at esteemed venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House and Carnegie Hall have garnered critical acclaim. Raised in an artistic family, Orliński’s early exposure to music came through the Gregorianum choir in Warsaw. He pursued vocal studies at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music and later at the Juilliard School in New York, honing his craft under the guidance of esteemed mentors. His breakout moment occurred in 2017 when a casual performance of Vivaldi’s Vedrò con mio diletto went viral, showcasing his exceptional talent to a global audience.
Orliński gave a widely praised recital at the 2022 Verbier Festival, performing alongside pianist Michał Biel at the Église de Verbier. The performance was later broadcast on Medici.tv.
In 2024, he performed at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, bringing his distinctive voice and stage presence to one of the world’s most watched cultural events.
From Baroque to contemporary music
Orliński’s repertoire spans from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary compositions, often collaborating with ensembles such as Il Pomo d'Oro.
His albums, including Anima Sacra (2018) and Facce d'amore (2019), have received accolades for their expressive interpretations and technical precision. Beyond singing, Orliński’s background in breakdancing adds a unique physicality to his performances, challenging traditional norms of operatic presentation. Jakub Orliński became a Rolex Testimonee in 2025.