GLOBAL GOENKARS IN FOCUS
LONDON
It is not often that professionals switch from software to singing, but Oscar Castellino, an operatic baritone singer hailing from Goa, has not only made it possible but has also gained international acclaim for his performances.
Oscar has even composed the anthem for planet Mars, which was selected by the International Mars Society,
GOAN ROOTS
Oscar said his father hails from Assagao, while his mother hails from Loutolim.
“I have been visiting Assagao a lot recently and also sang at the Church last Christmas with parish priest Fr Carlos Mendes. He is a violinist and used to run a school called Solfa Music School that I attended when I was a little kid in Goa,” said Oscar.
“We made a video of a Konkani Christmas carol in the beautiful church, and this made me reconnect with my roots. Last year, I performed ‘Brahms' Requiem’ with Stuti Choral Ensemble at the Loutolim Church, and visited the areas where my grandmother was born.”
EDUCATION, WORK
Oscar was born in Santa Cruz West, Mumbai, and his parents later moved to Mussoorie, where his parents taught at the St George's College boarding school.
“After schooling in the wonderful mountainous region, I graduated in physics at St Xavier's College, Mumbai. I took up software and went into the software industry and worked for four years,” said Oscar.
INTEREST IN OPERA
It was during this time that he joined the Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble in Mumbai, run by Alfred D'Souza. There was no turning back.
“Alfred gave us a lot of training in singing and movement, which brought out my passion for the performing arts.”
“Patricia Rozario OBE, acclaimed Goan opera singer and professor at the Royal College of Music, was visiting India in 2010 to scout for operatic talent.”
“The reason I was attracted to opera was this: When I went to Patricia Rozario's first concert in 2010, I was amazed at how, without a microphone, she could sing to thousands of people. I thought that would be the coolest thing to do, and I should definitely give it a shot.”
Patricia heard Oscar’s voice and invited him to join her ‘Giving Voice to India’ workshops in Goa and Mumbai.
“When she said I had a chance in the operatic world, it gave me confidence, and I auditioned at the Royal College of Music, London. Thanks to her workshops in Goa and Bombay, I passed through the tough selection process and began studying Bachelor's in Music at the Royal College of Music in 2011.”
Oscar then received a scholarship for an advanced opera course at the Royal Welsh College in Cardiff.
Oscar now performs in Wales, London, Scotland, and around Europe, besides making as many trips as possible to Goa to sing with the Stuti Choral Ensemble.
He explained that there are different kinds of Western classical singing, with opera being one of them.
“One can also go into art song singing or oratorio (sacred music). I have mainly concentrated on opera as I like theatre, acting, and storytelling, but I have recently explored a lot of oratorio with the Stuti Choral Ensemble in Goa, and feel at home with sacred music and oratorio, thanks to this experience and the conductor, Parvesh Java,” said Oscar.
CAREER IN THE UK
Oscar admitted it is extremely difficult to build a career in opera, let alone in singing.
“This genre of music is not very popular with newer generations. I had to think out of the box to make a career, and that is what I have been doing. I've worked on giving audiences unique experiences like blending cultures and styles of music, as well as multidisciplinary concepts like combining science and music,” said Oscar.
“I work with the Mars Society USA, and I have composed their anthem because of my background in physics. I've combined my passion for space as well as for music to find this unique niche. I have performed music in the operatic style of singing that has Indian and Goan influences.”
“In 2012, I got the opportunity to sing for the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and that was a special experience.”
Oscar recently combined dancing and music together, where he danced and sang opera at the same time.
“I was able to lead a partner while singing opera. This was a revelation—to be able to dance and to sing this demanding style of music at the same time without losing breath,” explained Oscar.
“I felt the dance added a lot to the performance rather than taking away from it, and I will be pursuing such performances in the future.”
ADVICE TO GOANS
Oscar acknowledged that singing as a career has transformed his life for the better.
“I never regret leaving my software job for singing. This profession has given me a lot of new experiences and interesting friends and colleagues, with a lot of travel around the world,” said Oscar.
“It can be quite tough as far as finances are concerned, but anyone passionate will always find a way to not only enjoy a career in singing but to make it viable.”
THE GOAN | LONDON
Oscar Castellino in association with the Baluji Music Foundation, which has been organising concerts in London for many years, will present a concert ‘Goan Interactions’ on June 21, at the St Stephen's Church, South Dulwich, in South London.
“We have, so far, had a very good response from the Goan community in and around the UK. This time, we are teaming up with Melville Rodrigues Consultancy and expanding the scope of the music. Sofia Bagulho, a singer from Portugal, will be joining us, and it will be interesting because she will not only be singing in Portuguese but also will be singing songs with me in Konkani,” said Oscar.
“We will be organising Goan snacks and drinks. We are excited to explore even more music this time that is popular with the community, as well as Goan music that has been traditional for a very long time, like Mandos.”
“Baluji Shrivastav OBE will be joining us on the sitar and, as usual, take the music to another level. We will have Yusuf Ali Khan on the tabla and a fabulous jazz pianist and composer, James Welland on the piano. James had collaborated with me for the Mars Anthem many years ago, and this will be a great opportunity to perform with him again.
Details of the concert are available on Oscar’s website (www.oscarcastellino.com).
