Samuel Mariño signs with Decca Classics

Decca Classics has announced the signing of Venezuelan male soprano Samuel Mariño. Mariño’s first album of the partnership, Sopranista, will be released in May 2022.

Sopranista will feature premieres of works by Joseph Bologne and Domenico Cimarosa as well as Mariño’s performances of 18th century castrato, soprano and ‘trouser role’ pieces more recently performed by female voices.

Helen Lewis, executive producer & A&R manager at Decca Classics, said: ‘Samuel’s astounding vocal ability, charisma and bold self-expression set him apart as a remarkable ambassador for classical music today… With his refreshing approach, Samuel perceives no boundaries and we are excited to partner with him on this adventure.’

Despite being bullied as a teen for his high speaking voice, Mariño decided not to have voice-deepening surgery in order to pursue a singing career. He said: ‘If I want to sing a role and I am able to, then I sing it. It’s not because it’s a man or a woman or a castrati… I’m not making a piece for a museum – I am making live art.’

After studying at Conservatoire de Paris, Mariño won awards at the International Singing Competition with Opéra de Marseille and the Neue Stimmen Competition. He will make his London and Japanese debuts this month and his first album with Decca, Sopranista, is out on 27 May.

You can find out more about Decca Classica here.

You can find out more about Samuel Mariño here.