Oscar Dom Victor Castellino

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 8^th 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 8^th 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