Yoshikazu Mera

Summary

Yoshikazu Mera (米良 美一, Mera Yoshikazu, born May 21, 1971 in Miyazaki) is a Japanese countertenor. His range is three and a half octaves.[1]

Yoshikazu Mera
米良 美一
Born (1971-05-21) May 21, 1971 (age 52)
Miyazaki, Japan
GenresClassical music
Occupation(s)Singer
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1994–present

Originally wanting to become a pop singer, Mera now primarily sings classical music from the West but also classical Japanese music.[1] He appears frequently as a soloist with the Bach Collegium Japan, which under its conductor Masaaki Suzuki performs Baroque music.[1] His 1998 recital disc "Nightingale" on Sweden's BIS Records was a major success in Japan.[2]

It was revealed in a television documentary entitled "米良美一の實話" ("Yoshikazu Mera's true story") that he was born with congenital osteogenesis imperfecta.[3]

Selected discography edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Biography with images at bach-cantatas.com
  2. ^ Billboard – January 24, 1998 – Page 42 Vol. 110, n° 4 "Plus, countertenor Yoshikazu Mera is a sensation in Japan, where his recital disc of Japanese art songs has sold 50,000 copies in four months, according to label reports."
  3. ^ 米良美一の實話 (Yoshikazu Mela's a true story)

External links edit

  • Yoshikazu Mera sings Bach: Widerstehe doch der Sünde, BWV 54, I. Aria