In the rarefied world of opera, a groundbreaking talent is making waves and defying conventions with his extraordinary gift. Venezuelan-born Samuel Mariño possesses one of the rarest voices on the planet—a natural male soprano, or sopranist. But his journey to the heights of the classical music scene was far from easy.
A Voice Like No Other
Mariño’s sparkling soprano sits in stark contrast to the typical male vocal range. As he explains:
“I like to describe my voice as a light lyric soprano, with a bit of coloratura. If I sing falsetto, I sound like Mariah Carey. Or Prince.”
It’s a voice that has entranced audiences across the globe, from the US and South America to Europe and Asia. Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s artistic director Paul Dyer describes the impact:
“It’s exquisite to hear a male singing that high. And it’s even more breathtaking to watch other males in the audience see this handsome young man walking out on stage – they don’t know what’s going to come out – and then suddenly this rare jewel of a voice.”
Overcoming Adversity
But Mariño’s singular talent wasn’t always celebrated. Growing up in Venezuela, he faced relentless bullying over his high speaking voice.
“Kids can be very, very cruel and it was a very painful time. But now I like to think of it as a preparation for the future, because being on a stage is also not easy, especially being on stage singing. It is so, so personal.”
Desperate, he begged to be “fixed.” But one insightful doctor recognized his potential and urged him to keep singing. It was a pivotal moment that would change the trajectory of his life.
Defying Gender Norms With Fashion
As Mariño’s star has risen, so too has his flair for gender-fluid fashion. He’s become renowned for gracing the stage in daring ensembles of frothy tulle, sparkling sequins, and towering heels—a departure from the traditional tuxedo.
“Before Covid, it was all so strict, all boring black tuxedoes. But no audience? I say, you know what, I will dress for fun. I will use sequins. I will use high heels, why can I not use fashion like a pop artist?”
It’s a bold statement in the often-rigid world of classical music, but one that only amplifies his artistry. As Dyer notes, “The flamboyant attire and vintage jewelry never detracts from the pure artistry of the voice.”
Honing His Craft
Mariño’s rise to prominence is a testament to his unwavering dedication. He’s spent years refining his technique under the tutelage of greats like Barbara Bonney, who taught him not just to sing, but to survive in the demanding opera world.
“She taught me how to be an artist, how to behave in this business, and also what to expect…She told me how lonely it is to be a singer, because of the travel – it’s a very, very lonely life, very difficult to have a relationship.”
It’s a sacrifice Mariño has embraced for his art. And it shows in his performances, which Dyer describes as brimming with “extreme passion.”
A Rising Global Star
Today, Samuel Mariño is a sensation on the global opera circuit. His 2022 debut at Germany’s Halle Handel festival was a triumph. He boasts three acclaimed solo albums. And in 2024, he made history in his operatic debut at the prestigious Glyndebourne festival.
For the audiences fortunate enough to witness his performances, it’s an unforgettable experience. As his voice soars to the highest registers with crystalline purity, Mariño shatters not just champagne flutes, but expectations of what an opera singer can be.
“[Mariño’s] lower register has this rather rich plum color. But when he gets high, it gets whiter, it gets lighter in style and becomes very bright…and then he just keeps on going higher, and then higher.”
– Paul Dyer, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra
Redefining What’s Possible
In a world where conformity is often prized, Samuel Mariño is a beacon of individuality. His is a story of resilience, passion, and the courage to embrace one’s authentic self. He’s not just pushing boundaries—he’s redefining them entirely.
As he continues to dazzle audiences and shatter preconceptions, one thing is certain: The future of opera looks and sounds a lot like Samuel Mariño. And that future is thrillingly bright.
