#Pride - How drag and opera have influenced Kangmin Justin Kim’s performance

We’re flying the rainbow flag this Pride month to celebrate the many LGBTQ people who have helped make the Royal Opera House the institution it is today, both on and off stage. 🏳️‍🌈 Korean-American countertenor/mezzo-sopranist Kangmin Justin Kim makes his Royal Opera debut in the 2018/19 Season as Cherubino (The Marriage of Figaro), but you might recognise him as his alter-ego, Kimchilia Bartoli. Subscribe to our channel and find out more at Kimchilia Bartoli imitates one of the most talented mezzo-sopranos in the opera scene, Cecilia Bartoli, who specialises in baroque repertory (which is also the most performed repertory by countertenors). There’s a strong connection between drag culture, impersonation and devoted admiration towards talented and powerful women by the queer community – and Kimchilia Bartoli embodies this by highlighting the campness and virtuosismo of opera while delivering outstanding vocal perf