NCPA Mumbai to play host to Operalia, one of the world’s most prestigious opera competitions
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 3: Operalia – The World Opera Competition comes to India for the first time, making this the first-ever edition of this event in South Asia. The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, will host the 31st edition this September. Founded by noted tenor Plácido Domingo, Operalia has been instrumental in [...]
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 3: Operalia – The World Opera Competition comes to India for the first time, making this the first-ever edition of this event in South Asia. The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, will host the 31st edition this September. Founded by noted tenor Plácido Domingo, Operalia has been instrumental in discovering and establishing the careers of promising young opera singers for the last three decades. Successful editions of the annual competition have previously been held in London’s Royal Opera House, Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre and Teatro alla Scala in Milan, among other venerable concert halls. The 31st edition will not only be Operalia’s maiden edition in India but also its first venture in South Asia.
From the 15th to the 21st of September, the NCPA will welcome 32 participants from 18 countries for an unparalleled operatic experience. The Symphony Orchestra of India, the country’s only professional orchestra, will accompany the finalists as they compete for top honours at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre under the baton of Maestro Domingo. The jury of Operalia, presided by the maestro, is comprised of distinguished international opera managers and casting directors associated with some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses such as La Scala, Milan, The Metropolitan Opera, New York, Royal Opera House, London and Vienna State Opera.
“The fact that the NCPA is the chosen venue for this prestigious opera competition is a tribute to its reputation, knowledge of operatic traditions and the ability to host such a major event. Some of the most distinguished figures in the operatic world, from La Scala, Milan to the Vienna State Opera, will arrive in Mumbai to judge the stars of tomorrow. Operalia has been a producer of greats for the last three decades. Starting with Nina Stemme to the more recent winners who have gone on to take the world of opera by storm, such as Lise Davidsen, Joyce DiDonato, Angel Blue and Aida Garifullina, it is a competition followed closely in many countries of the world, and we hope more and more Indian singers are encouraged to pursue a career in opera,” says Mr. Khushroo N. Suntook, Chairman, NCPA.