David Daniels

One of the most important countertenors to emerge late in the 20th century, David Daniels is known for the strength and rounded fullness of his voice. He was also a prominent educator until he faced sexual assault charges, to one of which he subsequently pleaded guilty. In 1996, Daniels made his debut with England's Glyndebourne Festival Opera as Didymus in Handel's Theodora. In the late '90s, Daniels recorded two albums of Alessandro Scarlatti cantatas with conductor Nicholas McGegan, and in 1998, he issued an album of Handel arias. He often appeared in the most prominent 20th century countertenor role, Oberon in Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream. In 1997, he became the first countertenor to win the coveted Richard Tucker Award. Daniels released several more solo albums, including a 2008 release on Erato of Bach sacred arias and cantatas, and appeared on various opera recordings.