Project background

Unleashing Opera's Splendour: The Project Background

Borneo Season Opera II Palcoscenico PLT, a dynamic company based in Miri, has embarked on a remarkable journey to promote and showcase classical opera productions. Their flagship project takes the form of a groundbreaking tri-event: the Alfio Grasso Vocal Masterclass cum Workshop, Vincenzo Bellini Vocal Competition (Asia Region), and Opera Festival in the enchanting city of Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo. This exceptional event marks a momentous milestone as the first of its kind to be held in Borneo.

The main objective of this event is to bring together aspiring and established opera singers from the region. Participants will have the unique opportunity to compete in the vocal competition, receive expert training and guidance through the masterclass, and unveil their extraordinary talents during the opera festival. This serves as a springboard for singers in the region, offering them invaluable experience, exposure, and international recognition within the opera scene.

The festival is not just limited to the competition and masterclass. It will also feature a gala opera concert and six opera orchestra concerts spanning three days. This extraordinary lineup ensures that the public can bask in world-class opera performances, indulging in a celebration of culture, art, and music. The event serves as a vibrant platform to promote the rich tradition of opera in Borneo and the surrounding region, attracting opera enthusiasts from the ASEAN region and beyond to gather in Kuching and immerse themselves in this cultural extravaganza.

Careful budget planning ensures that the event is financially sustainable while delivering an exceptional experience for participants and audiences alike. With the support of the community, Borneo Season Opera II Palcoscenico PLT is eagerly anticipating the arrival of this unique cultural event in Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo. Their aim is to continue promoting and preserving the art of opera in the region for years to come.

The Borneo Season Opera II Palcoscenico PLT takes immense pride in organising the inaugural Alfio Grasso Vocal Masterclass cum Workshop, Vincenzo Bellini Vocal Competition (Asia Region), and Opera Festival in Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo. This extraordinary tri-event, believed to be the first of its kind in this region, aims to showcase the exceptional talents of vocalists while providing them with a golden opportunity to learn from world-renowned opera professionals.

The event features a range of activities, including the Alfio Grasso Vocal Masterclass cum Workshop, led by the prominent Alfio Grasso himself, assisted by SARAWAK’s very own opera singer, JEANNE-MARIE DRUCE. Furthermore, Borneo Season Opera II Palcoscenico PLT has been granted authorisation to conduct the Vincenzo Bellini Vocal Competition for the Asia Region, creating a platform for participants across Asia to compete and showcase their vocal prowess. The winner of this competition will go on to represent Asia in the final Vincenzo Bellini Vocal Competition held in Italy.

The festival also includes a mesmerising Gala Opera Concert featuring esteemed opera singers from Europe, as well as an Opera Orchestra Concert performed by a live orchestra from Romania. Over time, this festival aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of Borneo and serve as a catalyst for the development of the arts and music scene in the region. It provides a remarkable opportunity for local artists to learn, collaborate, and be inspired by international professionals, while audiences are treated to the pinnacle of operatic artistry.

Borneo Season Opera II Palcoscenico PLT is committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for all attendees and ensuring the resounding success of the festival. Through this grand event, their mission is to inspire a new generation of vocalists and music enthusiasts, contributing to the growth and development of the music industry in Sarawak, Borneo, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Gala Opera Concert

date

12th October 2023

SOLD OUT

Performance Time

7:00pm to 11:00pm

Venue

Sarawak State Assembly Building (DUN Baru)

Dress Code

Formal

Opera Concert

dates

13th October 2023

14th October 2023

15th October 2023

Performance Time

8:00pm to 10:00pm

Venue

Sarawak State Assembly Building (DUN Baru)

Dress Code

Formal

THE STARS OF BORNEO OPERA FESTIVAL 2023

Competition dates

8th – 11th October 2023

Venue

Borneo Cultures Museum, Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia.

Registration fee

€100

Masterclass dates

28th September – 7th October 2023

Venue

Borneo Cultures Museum, Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia.

Entry fee

€1,500

Lunch and light refreshments are included in the fee.

Panel of Judges

Sonja Stenhammar

Head OF Judges, President of Stenhammar, Singing Competition and Soprano

Sweden

IOAN VRASMAŞ

Bass Singer, Manager and President of the Agency Opera Vox

Romania

Marco Moresco

Conductor, pianist and teacher to Pescara Conservatory

Italy

Silvano Frontalini

President of Bellini Singing Competition Caltanissetta

Italy

Boyka Vasileva

Mezzosoprano and artistic director of Varna Opera House

Bulgaria

Abdalla Saad

Stage conductor cairo Opera House and Singer

Egypt

Natalia Margarite

A Coloratura Soprano Extraordinaire

Italy

Alfio Grasso

Baritone and Teacher

Italy

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