Opera singer of Goan origin.
Oscar Dom Victor Castellino (Baritone) alumnus of the Royal
College of Music was in Goa with his Operawala Tour of India. He was
accompanied by pianist Nadine Crasto.
Sponsored by the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre the concert was
staged on 8th March, 2016 at the Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim, which
beautifully showcased Oscar’s stunning vocal abilities. The concerts in India are being held to
commemorate the death centenary of composer, Francesco Paolo Tosti’s music from
his early days in the United Kingdom. Although the music was from a single composer Oscar sang songs in
English, French and Napolitana.
I had heard of Oscar’s amazing performance in Mumbai on February
23, 2016, from my friend, Niloufer Marolia, President of the St. Xavier’s Alumni
Association. I am told Oscar himself organised his concert at St. Xavier’s, Mumbai and she raved about his performance. I eagerly
awaited 8th March and was the first to enter Goa Chitra’s indoor
hall.
The evening was enchanting. Oscar’s style is hypnotic. He has the ability to transport the listener to anywhere he wishes to take them.
NinnaNanna - A lullaby
He
is truly, exceptionally gifted. His
singing will move you to the core and evoke every emotion in you.
It was my pleasure to meet him after the show.
Oscar, we are ecstatic you brought opera to Goa and we are proud of
you !
Your talent has made an impression on us. There really are no
words that could truly convey the beauty of your breathtaking voice. It must be
experienced to be believed. We wish you greater levels of success.
To me, you are a super star !
I shall look forward to seeing my prediction come to reality in the very
near future! May all you wish for come wrapped in rainbows sprinkled with
stardust!
Meet Oscar Dom Victor Castellino !
Oscar Dom Victor Castellino aka Operawala is based in the UK. He has roots in Assagao, Goa. Oscar grew up in scenic Mussoorie, north
India, at St. George’s College where his parents were teachers.
He majored in Physics at St, Xavier’s College, Mumbai (or Bombay
as we, Goans, still prefer to call it) and has worked in the corporate industry
as a software engineer. He was
discovered by Patricia Rosario, a highly respected artist in Europe. She made
him believe he could pursue a career in singing.
Oscar sang for Queen Elizabeth’s pageant on the River Thames
during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June 2012.
He will be playing the central role of James Meredith in the opera
Komilitonen with Welsh National
Opera Young Artists in July 2016.
With Opera at Bearwood, he has played the roles of Mercutio in
Romeo and Juliet, Dancairo in Carmen and Pluto in Orpheus in the
Underworld. He played Djami in Iain
Burnside’s Journeying Boys.
With Barefoot Opera he played Dancairo (Carmen) and Belcore (l’Elisir D’amore).
He played the lead role of Aeneas in Giving Voice Society’s Dido
and Aeneas Tour of India.
Oscar also played the lead role of Mahival in Sohini and Mahival, an Urdu
opera at the Southbank Centre and Niladri in a Vanraj Bhatia opera.
Oscar is the first recipient of the Blair Wilson Award and was
supported by the Martin Harris Award and Lee Abbey Award at the Royal College
of Music where he studied under Patricia Rozario who discovered his talent
while he was a software programmer having earlier studied Physics at St.
Xavier’s College, Mumbai.
Oscar commissioned a new work, “The Little Big Man” based on Tagore’s poems by Bertram Wee. This
received much success at its premier in London in June 2015.
Oscar, thanks so much for being so
friendly, and for sharing your amazing talent with others. I can see that
performing is your passion. You are not
only a very talented and awesome singer, but one of the most genuine
individuals I have ever encountered. You inspire me.
Good luck at the forthcoming concerts
in Mysore and Poona !
Be blessed.
Lena
