Grammy Award-winning opera star Anthony Roth Costanzo celebrated the launch of his new book, Countertenor, and its companion album with an intimate musical evening at The Frick Collection in New York City. The special event brought together friends, cultural figures, and distinguished guests to celebrate Costanzo’s remarkable career and his exploration of the countertenor voice.
NOVEMBER 1: Anthony Roth Costanzo and Axel Rüger attend Anthony Roth Costanzo “Countertenor” Book And Album Launch on November 1, 2026. (Photo by Getty Images/PMC)
Describing the occasion, Anthony Roth Costanzo shared his excitement about launching the book at one of New York’s most distinguished cultural institutions. “Frick-ing incredible” was the phrase that came to mind, he said, describing the evening as one he would never forget. Surrounded by close friends and supporters, the acclaimed performer celebrated a new chapter in his artistic journey as a published author.
The evening’s concert, conducted by Dan Schlosberg, featured an eclectic musical program spanning several centuries. The repertoire included Renaissance compositions by John Dowland and Thomas Morley, Baroque works by Antonio Vivaldi, and contemporary music by Osvaldo Golijov. The performance also surprised guests with popular selections, including Lightnin’ Strikes by Lou Christie and Twyla Herbert, and Walk Like a Man by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio.
NOVEMBER 1: Stephanie French, LaVon Kellner, Barbara Tober and Joanna Johnston attend Anthony Roth Costanzo “Countertenor” Book And Album Launch on November 1, 2026. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC/PMC)
During the reception following the concert, Axel Rüger, the Frick’s Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director, praised Costanzo’s creativity and artistic curiosity, emphasizing his ability to connect music, history, and personal storytelling.
Barbara Tober, who generously underwrote the reception, also shared her admiration for the opera star, highlighting his enthusiasm, wit, and extraordinary ability to bring people together.
Among the distinguished guests were acclaimed film director James Ivory, who cast Costanzo in A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries, and actress Leelee Sobieski, Costanzo’s childhood friend and co-star in the film.
Inside Anthony Roth Costanzo’s New Book Countertenor
In Countertenor, Costanzo explores the fascinating history and evolution of one of opera’s most distinctive voice types. The countertenor tradition has played an important role in contemporary opera for more than half a century, drawing on a repertoire originally composed for castrated male singers during the Baroque period.
Combining historical research with personal reflections from his own performing career, Costanzo examines the countertenor voice through the perspectives of gender, sexuality, identity, and artistic expression. The result is an exploration of music and the many ways the human voice can communicate personal and cultural experiences.
The companion album further expands on the book’s themes through ten tracks representing a diverse range of musical traditions. Featuring Renaissance and Baroque compositions, opera, traditional Hawaiian music, and contemporary popular songs, the recording includes works by John Dowland, Antonio Vivaldi, and Philip Glass, alongside selections that reflect Costanzo’s wide-ranging musical interests.
The launch at The Frick Collection celebrated not only a new literary and musical project but also the artistic versatility of an internationally acclaimed performer whose work continues to connect classical music with contemporary culture.
NOVEMBER 1: Anthony Roth Costanzo and Thea Little attend Anthony Roth Costanzo “Countertenor” Book And Album Launch on November 1, 2026. (Photo by Getty Images/PMC)
NOVEMBER 1: Jonathan Marder and LaVon Kellner attend Anthony Roth Costanzo “Countertenor” Book And Album Launch on November 1, 2026. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC/PMC)
NOVEMBER 1: Gina Gibney, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Pamela Van Zandt and Pamela Van Zandt attend Anthony Roth Costanzo “Countertenor” Book And Album Launch on November 1, 2026. (Photo by Getty Images/PMC)
For more information or to purchase Countertenor, visit Macmillan Books.
Anthony Roth Costanzo’s book tour continues through November 19, 2026.
Take a look at another Frick Collection event, where they honored Annabelle Selldorf at the 2026 Autumn Dinner