NCPA To Host Operalia 2024 In Mumbai

EE News Desk Feb 10, 2024

The NCPA revealed that it will be the official host for the 2024 edition of Operalia. Founded by Plácido Domingo, the annual competition has previously been held in cities like Paris, London, Tokyo, Moscow, Cape Town, Los Angeles and Mexico City. In September 2024, it will be held at the NCPA, Mumbai, marking its first-ever edition in South Asia.

The seven-day competition will welcome singers and eminent musicians from different parts of the world. The competition’s closing round will witness the finalists performing with the country’s only professional orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), under Maestro Domingo and culminating with the winner announcement of its 2024 edition.

Since its inception in 1993, Operalia invites participation from singers between the ages of 20 and 32, of all voice types from around the world. Each year, the competition records entries from hundreds of applicants following which, the auditions of the leading 30-40 singers are heard by a panel of international personalities, presided by Maestro Domingo.

The competition has proven to be a turning point for globally recognised singers such as Sonya Yoncheva, Nina Stemme, Pretty Yende, Erwin Schrott, Joyce DiDonato, Rolando Villazo´n, Aida Garifullina and many more. Grammy-winning soprano Angel Blue, prize-winner of the 2009 edition, has previously performed at the NCPA.

Khushroo N. Suntook, Chairman, NCPA and SOI Co-founder expressed, “We are happy to associate with the great Plácido Domingo-whom I have listened to and admired for the last 30 years host Operalia 2024 in India. It is undoubtedly one of the most respected musical events globally, and we are certain that this will be a remarkable experience for the music-loving audience in the country. We look forward to welcoming Maestro Domingo, the jury members, participants, delegates, and musicians from different parts of the world to join us at the NCPA and present their operatic prowess. It will be the SOI’s privilege to be a part of Operalia and create history yet again. We shall continue our efforts to pave the way for many such coveted global experiences in the future at the NCPA.”

Maestro Plácido Domingo, Founder, Operalia shared, “After 30 exciting years travelling the world since its foundation, it is my pleasure and privilege to bring Operalia to India for the very first time at the warm invitation of the National Centre for the Performing Arts and its esteemed Chairman Khushroo N. Suntook, it is very special for me to return to Mumbai after many years away, a city where I made my debut singing a concert in 2008 conducted by my dear friend Maestro Zubin Mehta, in honour of his father Mehli Mehta’s centennial and his contribution to the classical music scene in India. I look forward to reuniting with the Indian public in the fall.”