Photos: Ramidi Subari
There are various ways to tell a story. Some people choose to write and turn it into a book, some prefer to speak from a pulpit, and others express themselves through song lyrics. Then there’s opera.
Storytelling has been an integral part of human culture for generations. It is a fundamental aspect of our nature.
Over the years, the concept of storytelling has remained constant, but new forms and methods have emerged. It started with visual stories through cave drawings, which served as the pioneers of storytelling. Then came word-of-mouth stories that were passed down through generations. Many other forms followed, including written stories, printed stories, the Internet, and the advent of social media, which became a beloved tool for storytelling.
As you read this article, your brain acknowledges that it is a written story, and you eagerly anticipate what the next word will reveal. This is storytelling in its written form.
Opera, an art form that combines classical and theatrical music, is a unique way of storytelling. It is not limited to monologues but rather a means of expressing specific emotions.
Opera made its debut about 400 years ago when Jacopo Peri, an Italian composer, created the first formal opera, Dafne, in 1957. Since then, two types of opera emerged: opera seria, also known as classical or noble opera, and opera buffa, or comic opera.
Whether in the 4000s, 2000s, 1900s, or 1500s, opera has always been cherished by people. It is a timeless art form. La Traviata, a renowned opera by Giuseppe Verdi from Italy, continues to captivate audiences today, despite being composed in the 1800s.
Initially, opera singers solely sang opera in Italy. However, in the late 1900s and early 2000s, music became an essential accompaniment to effectively convey the story. The role of the orchestra became integral, and opera gained international recognition and love.
Meet the storyteller
Domenico Menini, a tenor soloist from Italy, has travelled across continents, showcasing his emotional mastery in storytelling through opera. His recent performances at the Borneo Opera Festival 2023 in Kuching, captured the hearts of many.
In an interview with the New Sarawak Tribune, Menini described opera as stories told through singing.
“Opera is a show where the actors don’t speak, but they sing,” Menini said.
During the festival, Menini performed multiple pieces, conveying a range of emotions from love and frustration to joy and sadness.
“Opera addresses themes like love, hate, and the political environment, regardless of whether it was composed 200 or 150 years ago,” Menini explained.
He expressed his honour and privilege in sharing a piece of his country’s cultural heritage with Sarawak.
“I am very honoured to be here and present to you one of the most characteristic cultural acts of my country because opera started 400 years ago in Italy,” Menini expressed.
Having embarked on his journey in 2004, Menini has performed in renowned opera houses worldwide, including the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak during the festival. He expressed his pride in presenting “arias,” the songs in opera, to the festival attendees.
“But beyond the songs, there is a plot, a story, and it’s truly fascinating to witness,” Menini added.
He showcased his deep love for opera during his performances and expressed his hope to return to Sarawak to share more of opera’s beauty.
“I genuinely hope that next year we can present an entire opera such as La Traviata, Rigoletto, or Turandot because opera is truly alive,” Menini said.
Meet the accompaniment
Bogdan Alexandru Costache, a solo violinist and conductor, has pursued a remarkable musical journey. From picking up his first violin at the age of four to his debut as a soloist with the Brasov Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania, and serving as the leader of the CEI International Youth Orchestra, Costache has performed around the world, including the Borneo Opera Festival 2023.
In an interview with the New Sarawak Tribune, Costache expressed his desire for the people of Sarawak to connect with opera and orchestral performances.
“Above all, we hope that this event will provide a great opportunity for the public to engage with classical music, opera, and symphony concerts,” Costache shared.
Highlighting the importance of starting the musical journey from a young age, Costache emphasised the value of creating a musical atmosphere for children to nurture their cultural growth and develop a lifelong appreciation for music.
“The earlier you start, the better. Music should be part of every child’s upbringing,” Costache explained.
He also praised the Borneo Opera Festival for providing a platform to showcase the talent and potential of young musicians.
“Events such as the Borneo Opera Festival are important for young musicians because they provide opportunities to perform in front of an audience and gain valuable experience,” Costache added.
Costache’s exceptional skills as a violinist and conductor were evident during his performances at the festival, where he mesmerised the audience with his expressive interpretations and the beautiful sound of his violin.
The Borneo Opera Festival 2023
The Borneo Opera Festival has become a prominent event in the region, bringing together talented artists from around the world to celebrate the art of opera and classical music.
The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding through the universal language of music. It serves as a platform for artists to showcase their skills, while also introducing the local community to the richness and diversity of opera.
This year’s edition of the Borneo Opera Festival featured performances by renowned soloists like Domenico Menini and Bogdan Alexandru Costache, who enchanted the audience with their captivating storytelling through opera and orchestral music.
In addition to the performances, the festival also included workshops, masterclasses, and educational programs to nurture young talents and deepen their appreciation for opera and classical music in the local community.
The Borneo Opera Festival 2023 succeeded in harmonising cultures through the universal language of music, bridging the gap between different backgrounds and fostering a sense of unity and understanding.
As a final point, opera, with its unique blend of music, theatre, and storytelling, continues to captivate audiences around the world. The Borneo Opera Festival 2023 showcased its power to convey emotions and narratives, bringing together artists from different cultures and backgrounds to create a harmonious experience.
Through the performances of talented artists like Domenico Menini and Bogdan Alexandru Costache, the festival not only entertained but also educated and inspired the local community, deepening their appreciation for the art form.
As opera remains a timeless medium for storytelling, it continues to transcend barriers and connect people from diverse backgrounds. The Borneo Opera Festival 2023 exemplified the beauty and universality of opera, reminding us of the power of music to bridge cultures and foster understanding in an ever-changing world.
