A date with opera

[1]

Apart from faint recollection of a scene in the film Dil Chahta Hai, not many Delhiwallas would be too familiar with opera. Many would dismiss it as oh-so-European! But slowly and steadily, opera is finding a niche audience in the city.

Don Pasquale — An Old Man Turns Groom, a comic three-act opera, will soon enthrall enthusiasts. Composed in 19th century by Gaetano Donizetti, it is the story of an aging Don Pasquale who wants to disinherit his nephew, Ernesto and thus, starts looking for a bride for himself. His friend Dr Malatesta makes a plan to foil this idea, by arranging a wedding between Pasquale and the young Norina, who is actually Ernesto’s beloved. The current version is directed by Paolo Panizza.
“Since 2002, we have tried to bring different operas to the country. The Indian audience has warmed up to the idea now. As comedy is rare in the genre, we decided to bring in Don Pasquale. Although, there is just one Indian face among the soloists, we have tried to include many in the choir,” says Francis Wacziarg, producer and founder, The Neemrana Music Foundation (TNMF). The foundation has been involved in producing, directing and conducting operas.
“I have been associated with the operas for more than 30 years and have done shows across the globe. But this is the first time I am directing an opera for an Indian audience. I am awaiting the reaction of the audiences,” says director Paolo Panizza.
Collaborating on Don Pasquale with TNMF are ICCR and Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the opera stars Giovanni di Mare (bass) as Don Pasquale, Norina is played by Aude Priya (soprano), Spero Bongiolatti (tenor) enacts Ernesto, and Vikrant Subramanian (baritone) is Dr Malatesta, physician and friend to Don Pasquale.
“Norina has many shades to her character. She loves Ernesto purely, has to seduce Don Pasquale and also play his sober, convent educated wife. It is like enacting three different roles. I love playing the role,” says Aude Priya.
Talking about the opening up of Indian audience to operas, she adds, “Operas are bright and colourful just like Bollywood films. People here have started realising that.”
Vikrant Subramanian, the only Indian soloist in Don Pasquale, has been on a scholarship to undergo intensive voice training in France. “The role of Dr Malatesta is really fun. He is not evil and intends to help his friend but there are grey shades to him,” smiles Vikrant.
Talking about the city audience, he says, “Delhi has people with cultivated taste, who are opening up to the idea of an opera.”