Poland's Jacek Laszczkowski has made history as the first male soprano to sing at the Royal Opera House in London. 

He appears in the part of Anfione in Niobe, Regina di Trebe by the Italian composer Agostino Steffani. First performed in 1688, the work fell into oblivion and was rediscovered only two years ago.

Entertainment website theartsdesk.com wrote that Laszczkowski 'stole the show with his soulful and soft thoughts of heaven at the end of Act I, a ravishing aria, delivered in the most exquisite sotto voce, and his barnstorming ascension into heaven in Act II.'

The forty four year-old Polish singer is said to be one of only three or four male sopranos  performing at the top level. He also performs as a tenor, which is an absolutely unique combination. The part of Anfione in Niobe would originally have been sung by a castrato.

More performances of Niobe at the Royal Opera House are scheduled for tomorrow and October 1 and 3. (mk)