10 Questions with Anthony Roth Costanzo
Where did you grow up?
In Durham, North Carolina until I moved to NYC to SING when I was 11.
What made you realize that music was your path?
From the time I was 8 years old, I just loved singing and communicating with music and I don’t think I’ve ever looked back.
Impossible Burger, beyond burger, regular burger, or turkey burger?
A regular burger is the most comforting thing in the world on occasion.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Ella Ftizgerald, Maria Callas, Justin Vivian Bond, Georg Friedrich Handel, Patti Labelle
Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
It’s hard to single out one, but standing on the Met stage in front of sold out audiences on their feet for Akhnaten, holding Philip Glass’s hand as we took a bow, was definitely a highlight.
You’re the featured vocalist on "Pie Jesu" from Requiem in D Minor, Op. 48 (arr. Christina Courtin). What do you love about this piece?
I love the feeling of suspension throughout so much of it. Somehow it seems to stop time and then take us to an exalted place.
What’s your favorite part of The Knights Before Christmas album?
Hearing the verve and sophistication with which these musicians tear into everything they do.
What do you love about working with The Knights?
There is a real passion for the music and a sense of communication and sensitivity between the players that makes for a unique energy.
What’s the next thing for you?
It’s a busy season, but among the highlights, I'm the artist-in-residence with The New York Philharmonic, I bring Akhnaten and Rodelinda back to the Metropolitan Opera, and I release an album on Decca and continue performances with one of my dream collaborators, Justin Vivian Bond.
If you could have dinner with any 3 musicians living or dead who would the be ( why? )
Maria Callas, to revel in her divadom, and Beyoncé to see if I could convince her to collaborate, and Lil Nas X to see if I could convince him to stay the night.