Hit the right note

Daryl Arambhan at an earlier workshop

It's not every day that one finds the opportunity to immerse oneself in the familiar, yet diverse world of the opera. A workshop helmed by an operatic tenor and voice coach, Daryl Arambhan, promises to be the perfect introduction to this beautiful art form. At the workshop, one can look forward to getting acquainted with the origins and development of opera, observing and discussing operatic works by significant opera composers, understanding different styles of composing and learning how to differentiate opera from straight theatre. "What the speaking voice has to convey solely in straight theatre is shared in opera by the singing voice and the orchestra in an opera," shares Arambhan, who is from Mumbai, and has trained with various opera coaches and conductors in London, while also studying acting.

"Over a period of 10 days, through images, videos, and a narrative that I have created, we will explore how and where opera began, how it evolved over the centuries, and also how various, even complex, human emotions are depicted in operatic works," says Arambhan.

(From left) Arambhan with a guest lecturer at a workshop

In the last decade, the tenor has sung lead roles in staged operas, including Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann and Bizet's Carmen, and has also given recitals and concerts at numerous venues in London. His repertoire includes arias, songs and ballads in English, German, Italian and French.

"In this workshop, I will be sharing what I have learned and absorbed about a genre of music and theatre that I feel passionate about. Significant composers and their works will be covered, and in so doing we will trace opera's 400-year-old history. Different types of operatic voices will also be discussed," he adds.

There is no age restriction for the workshop, and it has been designed to benefit anyone who is a music student, an aspiring actor, a theatre enthusiast, a music lover, or someone who is curious to know more about this genre.

From May 10 to 31 May (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)
Time 11.30 am to 12.30 pm
At St Andrew's Studio, Bandra. Call 9769296630
Cost Rs 2,500