Alex Potter

Countertenor

  • Praised by The Times for his “ethereal tone and beautiful control,” Alex Potter is one of the leading countertenors on the European musical scene. He is known both for his performances of well-established works by Bach, Handel, and other composers, and for his dedication to exploring lesser-known repertoire in concerts and recordings under his own direction. Alex has collaborated with prominent conductors including Philippe Herreweghe, Hans Christoph Rademann, John Butt, Lars Ulrik Mortensen, Jordi Savall, Stephan MacLeod, Jos van Veldhoven, and Justin Doyle.

    In the 2025/26 season, Alex Potter presents his own program concept Aus der Bach'schen Bibliothek with Gli Angeli Genève in Gdańsk and tours Korea with Bach’s Mass in B-Minor alongside Collegium Vocale Gent. He will also perform Handel’s Messiah with Gli Angeli Genève in Bruges, Brussels, and Nijmegen, as well as Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with La Cetra in Barcelona, Freiburg, La Chaux-de-Fonds, and Basel. Other highlights include Süßer Trost – Bach Cantatas with a nocte temporis and Reinoud van Mechelen in Belgium and Vienna, alongside other engagements to be announced.

  • Recent highlights include Bach’s B-Minor Mass with the Concertgebouw Orchestra under Philippe Herreweghe; performances of Bach and Telemann with Arcangelo/Jonathan Cohen at Wigmore Hall; and Benjamin Britten’s Abraham and Isaac with tenor Thomas Hobbs in Vancouver, Canada. Together with Dani Espasa, Alex conceived and performed the program Handel – Friends and Foes, featuring works by Handel and his lesser-known contemporaries, with Vespres d’Arnadí for the opening of the 2022 season at the Palau de la Música in Barcelona. For Christmas 2023, he created and directed a program centered on Bach’s Magnificat, touring in the Netherlands and Spain with the Netherlands Bach Society.

    Alex’s extensive discography includes over fifty recordings, including six solo albums. Notable releases include the 2023 Bach Cantatas with Philippe Herreweghe and Collegium Vocale Gent, John Nelson’s celebrated Handel Messiah with the English Concert, and a new disc of Bach solo cantatas with Il Gardellino on the Passacaille label. His latest solo album, Antonio (2023), received critical acclaim.

    Alex began his musical journey as a chorister at Southwark Cathedral, followed by studies as a Choral Scholar at New College, Oxford. He then deepened his expertise in singing and Baroque performance practice at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis under Gerd Türk, supplemented by lessons with Evelyn Tubb.

  • "Countertenor Alex Potter makes a deep impression, particularly in the sublime "Erbarme dich" which he endows with a deeply moving humanity."

    Bachtrack

  • “It is with the Salvator Mundi, salva nos, that we have the opportunity to appreciate the superb voice of Alex Potter, alto. Full and warm, very lively in the ensembles, his voice becomes smooth and warm in his solo interventions, easily filling the nave of the building. A pleasure of interpretation and phrasing, giving the ensembles a very Gothic élan and depth.”

    Bachtrack

  • The “Von der Stricken,” where the crossing of the oboe parts illustrates “gebunden” (bound) and “entbinden” (release), is masterfully entrusted to Alex Potter. The purity of his tone is confirmed in the poignant “Es ist vollbracht.” The dialogue with the viola da gamba grips us deeply, especially with the central alla breve passage. Truly great artistry.

    Forum Opéra

  • “Valerio Contaldo’s Evangelist offers a performance worthy of the highest praise, captivating in every aspect.”

    ConcertClassic