Praised for his “musical intelligence and strong stage presence” (Opera Today), Hong Kong bass-baritone Jacob Bettinelli (吳柏賢) has earned a reputation as a “superb bass-baritone [that] comes to the fore” (musicOMH).

In summer 2023, Jacob made his debut at Buxton International Festival performing the role of Alessio and Count Rodolfo as cover in La sonnambula, under the baton of Adrian Kelly. Other 22/23 operatic appearances include Ford in British Youth Opera’s production of Sir John in Love, conducted by Marit Strindlund at Opera Holland Park, Escamillo in Carmen with Carshalton Opera, Don Alfonso in a semi-staged production of Così fan tutte with St Bart’s Chamber Orchestra—conducted by Hong Kong female conductor Peggy Wu—and Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola with Barefoot Opera. Jacob recently participated in a masterclass led by soprano Danielle de Niese at Glyndebourneand joined the Pegasus Opera Mentoring Programme, through which he is further developing his skills under the tutelage of baritone Roderick Williams.

With his passion for contemporary opera, Jacob has breathed life into numerous roles on stage and screen, including Henry Johnson in The Aspern Papers (UK premiere) by American composer Philip Hagemann at Susie Sainsbury Theatre, Royal Academy of Music; Jai in A Silver Spoon by Lisa Logan, performed with Keynote Opera under the baton of Anthony Hose at Gŵyl Beaumaris Festival; Woflie in Red! by Lucy Mulgan and with Barefoot Opera; and Paul in The Heavenly Ledger by Evan Henry and John Klaess with Random Opera, an opera on film released in winter 2022 for which he contributed to the creation of the role.

In summer 2021, he made his title role debut in Le nozze di Figaro at the Teatro Ocampo de Morelia and performed as a soloist in the opera gala, sharing the stage with internationally acclaimed soprano Jennifer Rowley, baritone Luis Ledesma and Orquesta Sinfonica de Michoacán under the baton of Jorge Parodi.