Teatro alla Scala, long regarded as the centre of the operatic universe and the first opera house ever supported by Rolex, has now witnessed the debut of Polish counter‑tenor Jakub Józef Orliński on its stage. His recital on 7 June 2026 marked a historic moment: he became the first counter‑tenor to present a solo programme at what many consider the world’s most prestigious opera house. The performance also coincided with the 20th anniversary of La Scala’s partnership with Rolex, its Main Partner and Exclusive Timepiece since 2006.

La Scala, founded in 1778, has always been a magnet for the world’s greatest artists, and Orliński’s appearance added a new chapter to that legacy. Over the years, numerous Rolex Testimonees have performed there, including Juan Diego Flórez and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Orliński expressed profound gratitude for joining this lineage, describing the experience as both humbling and electrifying.

Having joined the Rolex family in 2025 as its first counter‑tenor Testimonee, Orliński brought his trademark blend of Baroque vocal finesse and breakdance‑infused physicality to La Scala. His background — from childhood choir singing to the Poznań Philharmonic, followed by studies at The Juilliard School — has shaped a career defined by artistic daring. His viral 2017 performance of Vivaldi’s Vedrò Con Mio Diletto propelled him onto major stages such as Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera and London’s Royal Ballet and Opera. In 2024, he even delivered a genre‑defying performance at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.

His creative approach aligns naturally with the Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative, which supports both cultural heritage and the emerging talents shaping its future. The Initiative’s partnerships — including Operalia and the Herbert von Karajan Young Conductors Award — reflect Rolex’s commitment to artists who expand the boundaries of their disciplines. Orliński has often said that the brand’s belief in his artistic path fuels his motivation.

For his La Scala recital, he performed music by Handel and Purcell, accompanied only by his longtime collaborator, pianist Michał Biel. The intimate format highlighted his expressive range, while his signature staging and acrobatic movement captivated a notably young audience. He has long argued that bringing new generations into historic venues is essential for the evolution of opera, and the enthusiastic response to his recital reinforced that belief.

Rolex’s broader commitment to the arts — rooted in craftsmanship, excellence and cultural stewardship — has grown over more than fifty years of partnerships with exceptional artists and institutions. What began in 1976 with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has evolved into a global framework spanning architecture, cinema, dance, literature, music, theatre and visual arts. Through the Perpetual Arts Initiative, Rolex continues to honour artistic mastery, preserve cultural heritage and support the rising talents who will shape the future.