Jeffrey Mandelbaum is fast becoming known for his powerful and elegant countertenor voice, and for his dynamic stage presence. Especially recognized for his affecting interpretations of the operas and oratorios of Handel, he debuted with Virginia Opera as Narciso in AGRIPPINA, and was dubbed a “first-class countertenor” by the Washington Post. He joins the roster of the Metropolitan Opera for the 2011/12 season for the exciting new pasticcio “Enchanted Island” led by William Christie, and starring David Daniels, Joyce Didonato, and Plácido Domingo.

Mr. Mandelbaum recently covered the title role in Handel’s FLAVIO with New York City Oper where he was also engaged for IL RITORNO D’ULISSE and HANSEL AND GRETEL. He appeared as Ottone in THE CORONATION OF POPPEA of which Allan Kozinn states in the New York Times, “ Jeffrey Mandelbaum gave an appealingly sensitive portrayal of Ottone.”

Recent concert work includes MESSIAH with Allentown Symphony, Norwalk Symphony, American Classical Orchestra, Ars Musica, and Westchester Oratorio Society; CARMINA BURANA with Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Connecticut Master Chorale, Rockland County Chorale, and Cappella Cantorum; MASS IN B MINOR and JUDAS MACCABEUS with Amor Artis; CHRISTMAS ORATORIO at Saint Ignatius of Antioch [NYC], and with Choral Arts Society of New Jersey; MAGNIFICAT with Vermont Mozart Festival; Handel’s ESTHER, and the title role in SOLOMON, with Canterbury Choral Society. Mr. Mandelbaum has performed Bach cantatas with Orchestra of Saint Luke’s. He portrayed Mars in LA PÚRPURA DE LA ROSA with Amherst Early Music Festival, and sang Bach’s alto cantata GEIST UND SEELE with the baroque orchestra Musica Viva.

Other opera highlights include several productions of Handel’s GIULIO CESARE, as both Cesare and Tolomeo, and as the title role in Gluck’s ORFEO ED EURIDICE. He has sung the title role in Handel’s CHOICE OF HERCULES with Big Apple Baroque; and starred in a tour of the medieval opera DANIEL AND THE LIONS with Early Music New York.

In addition to his work in the baroque field, he is also known for his performances of contemporary music, including DeChiera’s CYRANO DE BERGERAC with Opera Pacific; Monk’s QUARRY with Spoleto Festival USA; Bernstein’s CHICHESTER PSALMS with Riverside Choral Society, and Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut; and Hause’s MAN: BIOLOGY OF A FALL at Kumble Theater [NYC]; He was engaged for Glass’s GALILEO GALILEI at Brooklyn Academy of Music, and starred in two productions of Quincey’s HOME AND THE RIVER with Encompass New Opera Theatre, with whom he also premiered Quincey's TALE OF A TELL-TALE HEART, the leading role of which was written specifically for him.

Mr. Mandelbaum is a winner of the 2003 Metropolitan Opera Competition, New York Districts, and has sung numerous recitals in venues throughout NYC and Tuscany. He received a B.A. with Honors in Interdisciplinary Performance from Oberlin College, and a Master of Music degree in Historical Performance-Voice from the Mannes College of Music. He has coached in baroque style with Drew Minter and Julianne Baird, and continues his studies of vocal technique and artistry with Linda Monssen.