Acclaimed for singing “with sweet limpidity” (The New York Times), Martin Near’s “cool, beaming countertenor” has been commended for “crystal clear…beautiful, blooming top notes” (New York Classical Review). Mr. Near began his professional singing life at age ten in the choir of men and boys at Saint Thomas Fifth Avenue in New York City, advancing to Head Chorister. He now enjoys a varied career exploring his twin passions for early music and new music, performing as a soloist with Blue Heron, Les Délices (Cleveland), Emmanuel Music, TENET (New York), Handel and Haydn Society, The Folger Consort (Washington, D.C.), Boston Baroque, Ensemble VIII (Austin), Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Juventas New Music Ensemble, and Boston Cecilia. Recent highlights include Ruth Lomon’s chamber opera Rebekah at Brandeis University, two programs of Odes by Henry Purcell in Puetro Rico and New York, and a program of avant-garde 14th century French songs with Blue Heron and Les Délices in Cleveland and Boston.