Countertenors (1999): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1999, Countertenors is a documentary film directed by David Thomas, running about 53 minutes.

What it’s about. An LWT South Bank Show, presented by Melvyn Bragg, exploring the phenomenon of countertenor singing. With its unique, soaring beauty, the high male voice is today enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity. Heirs to the celebrated castrati of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, today's countertenors produce their voices by wholly natural means. In this programme international stars Michael Chance, Andreas Scholl and James Bowman, as well as popstar Jimmy Somerville, shed light on the appeal of the male falsetto. Meanwhile, experts such as Michael White place today's countertenors in their historical context. What emerges is a compelling portrayal of an unmistakable vocal style, rooted in church and operatic tradition, yet completely up-to-date, resonating louder today than at any time in the last two hundred years.

Who’s in it. Countertenors stars Melvyn Bragg as Presenter, James Bowman as Himself, Michael Chance as Himself and Andreas Scholl as Himself, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Countertenors page.

If you liked it. Fans of Countertenors tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.