Operatic cadences that sway
The extent to which opera, a popular musical form in the West, has influenced India’s urban sophistication is astounding. The creator of Chromatics, Augustine Paul, notes that many of the professionals performing in opera events in big cities like New Delhi and Mumbai are foreigners. Even though this kind of music is uncommon in India, Augustine has always focused on giving Chennai’s native artists a stage and promoting this genre, which calls for steadfast expertise.
For forty years, Augustine has been teaching western classical music, and he claims that his Trinity College of Music diploma holders perform just for their exams. Augustine presents The Festival of Opera, which will take place in Museum Theatre on April 21. The event will feature an ensemble of 13 singers and a 16-piece orchestra. The purpose of the event is to give these students a platform to demonstrate their expertise in front of an audience and to attempt to mimic the complexities of the opera concerts in Europe.
A teenage singer named Roshni Sharon said, “I’ve been studying western classical singing and immersed in the world of opera for more than 15 years, under Augustine Paul’s tutelage. Opera has captured my attention and grown in popularity over time, despite being a niche activity in India.
With a positive outlook on his pupils’ development, Augustine states, “We are almost 75% into international standards.” It is his desire that more vocalists would be motivated to perform by this style of music. In addition, he values helpful feedback from the group of informed individuals who have seen many performances overseas, are aware of the nuances of opera, and think that opera is a means to advance.
The best location for these kinds of musical events is Museum Theatre, which has a large stage for the vocalists and room for the orchestra to sit in the pit. Augustine highlights that this location is modeled after European opera houses.
Chromatics has often included “Sacred Arias,” a kind of music performed for small audiences in churches. This type, according to Augustine, is a prelude to attending operas. Scenes from operas by composers such as Handel, Mozart, Beethowen, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, and Rossini from the Baroque, classical, and romantic periods will be performed in Chennai. The production will include acting, music, and dance.
After a few months of training, Roshni is excited to sing opera. She adds, “Opera’s introduction to the Chennai audience is both thrilling and unique.” Seeing individuals of all ages hone their vocal and instrumental talents while studying Western classical music is satisfying. “We are excited to present an amazing performance to our audience,” she continues.
On Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m., “The Festival of Opera” will take place at the Museum Theatre in Egmore. Tickets are priced at Rs 1,000, Rs 500, and Rs 300 on BookMyShow, PMA, and Musee Musical.
