For some, opera music is an exclusive genre that generally appeals to those with a more sophisticated palette.

But young and dashing Jakub Józef OrliÅ„ski is one of the young opera stars trying to shatter the image of a world that some have called “super-elitist, snobbish and stuck” – and in her case, the word “rupture” is pretty literal.

When not performing on stage in baroque wigs or 18th-century costumes, the young Polish star finds herself breakdancing outside New York’s Metropolitan Opera House.

“As a singer, I try to be as versatile as possible, so I do the same with the station wagon. I try to incorporate all the things you can do into the station wagon. So like the movements of power, freezes, footwork, all the ground work, top level work – pretty much everything, ”OrliÅ„ski said.

Orliński is a world famous countertenor, able to master the mezzo, alto and even soprano scales.

While these octaves are usually achieved by female singers, some experts believe that Orlinski’s tones are a nod to baroque castrati.

“It’s not like I’m trying to be a product that says, ‘there’s this great breakdance countertenor.’ No – I sing. That’s my (main) occupation. I’m a singer. opera and it’s something I do alongside, and I’m not a professional dancer but I do it anyway because I like it. “

The Polish star has already released three solo albums, mostly baroque arias, and toured with numerous opera productions.

He has also been a model for brands such as Nike and Levi’s.

Four years ago, his performance of Vivaldi’s “Vedro con mio diletto” garnered more than 8 million views on YouTube, propelling him to an international audience.

Since then, the young Pole has done shows all over Europe, and is now making his transatlantic debut.

OrliÅ„ski is expected to feature in a new production of ‘Eurydice’ by young composer Matthew Aucoin at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

The new opera premiered on Tuesday 23 November.