Interview by William Chan
Portuguese Indian tenor Orlando Querobino Vas recently had an online conversation with The Macau Post Daily regarding his upcoming performance on January 3 at the Orient Foundation (FO). The event, organised by the Macau Vocal Association (MVA), also features pianist Catarina Amaral.
Born in Goa, India, Vas attended the Macau Anglican College and the Macau Conservatory of Music, where he focused on Vocal Studies. He furthered his education at the Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts in the United Kingdom and completed his degree at the University of Surrey. In addition to his performances in Macau and the UK, he has gained valuable experience in chorus and choir conducting. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in Music Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
The concert will feature a selection of captivating songs, including renowned Italian compositions such as “Mamma”, “ È serbato”, (È serbato a questo acciaro” from the opera “I Capuleti ed i Montecchi” by Vincenzo Bellini. The translation of this Italian phrase is “This sword is reserved.”) “ and “Funiculì Funiculà” (Funiculì Funiculà” is a famous Neapolitan song written by Luigi Denza with lyrics by Peppino Turco. It doesn’t have a specific meaning in Italian or any other language, as it is a playful and nonsensical expression).
A factor that draws Vas to Italian music is its language. He noted, “ The Italian language is known for its romantic allure, infuses the musical pieces with a rich tapestry of passion and emotion. My affinity for the language was nurtured during my formative years, influenced by the iconic performances of The Three Tenors [a trio consisting of Italy’s Luciano Pavarotti and Spain’s Plácido Domingo and José Carreras]. Their music left a lasting impression, contributing to my deep appreciation for the expressiveness of the Italian genre.”
Vas noted that the upcoming concert aims to take the audience on an enthralling journey through the intricate emotions of love and devotion. The initial segment explores these sentiments in depth, while the second half maintains a light-hearted tone with joyful and celebratory pieces. “My concert seeks to resonate with the audience, evoking recognition and nostalgia. Thus, the repertoire covers a spectrum of emotions, from poignant expressions of love and longing to the complexities of human relationships. It weaves themes of introspection and vibrant passion, capturing the essence of musical traditions.” He noted that the selection of music encompasses a wide range of emotions, themes, and musical styles, aiming to create an engaging journey that connects with the audience.
Vas underlined that the upcoming concert is a testament to the progress he has made in his vocal development over the past two years. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Macau and eagerly anticipates sharing his passion and love for music with local music lovers.
The performance will be held on January 3 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free of charge. For more information, visit: facebook.com/macau.vocal.
This poster provided by Macau Vocal Association (MVA) yesterday promotes tenor singer Orlando Querobino Vas’s performance on January 3.
