How did it feel to be back in India after 15 years? 
Returning to India after 15 years feels like reconnecting with an old friend, whose diversity, passion and culture have always captivated me. My last visit in 2008 was marked by the unforgettable experience of performing with Maestro Zubin Mehta. At that time, the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) was in its early stages. Today, I am honoured to return to India with Operalia 2024 with renowned global opera artists and to perform with NCPA’s in-house and internationally recognised orchestra, SOI.

What inspired you to host Operalia in India for the first time? 
Operalia has been travelling around the world for the past 30 years, and the way it usually works is that we get invitations from various places to host Operalia. We had received the invitation from NCPA about three years ago, when we in Moscow. Finally, last year, we decided, it is the year in which we can take Operalia to India. It has turned out to be one of the most and the highest levels of the Operalia edition, in terms of the enrolment we have had in years, and we are very thrilled that it happened.  

Opera is a sophisticated and resource-intensive art form, making cost-effective venues essential for its successful presentation. The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) has proven to be an ideal host for Operalia 2024, not only for its expertise in Western classical music but also for its in-house Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), which adds further value to the event. Its capability and infrastructure make it a strategic choice for staging such a prestigious global Opera competition. 

In your career, how have you seen Opera evolve? 
Opera, which originated in just a few countries, has now become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences in over 30 nations. Many theaters have embraced community outreach programs, introducing children and younger generations to Opera through shorter, more vibrant performances, some even presented in English to make them more accessible. It’s part of a broader effort to make Opera more accessible, and similar initiatives should be encouraged worldwide as well.

Where do you see India on the world map?
I’ve heard discussions about possibly launching a vocal academy here, where young children could be introduced to opera and exposed to classic repertoires early on. Of course, we’re up against tough competition from the pop music world, so it’s crucial we continue to push Opera forward. There's a significant audience out there, and it’s possible to reach them—Opera is not only beautiful but can also be a lot of fun. However, there’s still a lot of work to be done to broaden its reach and appeal.