carlo colombara
BASS
"Always keep your head up and if you can't do it through singing, it's better to quit because life is much more important than art."
Barcelona, 25/04/2013
Carlo Colombara is a world famous bass. Based in Barcelona, the city of his heart. He is traveling constantly around the world. Carlo fell in love with the operatic genre after seeing a production of Carmen in the Teatro Comunale in Bologna, his city of birth, at the age of 9. Luckily for the opera world, this love was true and lasted. Carlo is today one of the most sought after opera singers, with a repertory that extends from baroque to the most dramatic Verdi roles. A passionate teacher, he is totally aware of the differences between art and real life. He is warmhearted, easy going and friendly, like the friend we'd all like to have... but on stage, he can transform immediately to the most scary demon, or to a majestic, dramatic, historic figure.
By @kassandra_dimopoulou_official
By @kassandra_dimopoulou_official
How did you start singing opera?
It happened accidentally, after I sang for Paride Venturi, who became my teacher. This happened because a friend of my father who knew I like opera and was the father of a tenor called William Matteuzzi, decided to take me to maestro Venturi... I had no idea about opera singing at that time, it was my teacher who taught me everything.
What is your favourite operatic role?
My favourite roles are those of a dramatic nature, mostly those based on historic figures. If I had to name two favourite roles, these would be Filippo and Boris Godunov. I must admit though that I am also attracted to Mefistofele!
Is there an artist that inspires you the most?
Yes. Giuseppe Verdi.
What is your process of studying a new role?
I read the music score as if I would read a book. I somehow understand immediately if the role I am reading is for my vocal chords. This is very important for all singers; to be able to choose the right roles for our voices and to know when we are ready to support them.
What is the funniest memory you have on stage?
It was a performance of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” (G. Rossini) in Tokyo. It was me, Pratico, Gasdia, Gimenez and Frontali on stage. During the performance we started doing so many funny things that we had to stop for 2 minutes just to stop from laughing.
How do you see the opera world nowadays? Is there something you would like to change?
I would change almost everything, mostly the ones in control of the theatres who cannot even distinguish a Rossinian bass from a chocolate muffin.
How is the real life style of an opera singer?
It is the most unreal, artificial and best of all lifestyles because there's no way one can get bored!
Do you teach?
Yes, I am a very passionate teacher and I want to think that the results are great. I think I am one of the last who teaches the art of Italian belcanto- an art that is almost lost nowadays... I am sorry that I don't have more time for teaching but I think teaching will be my life after 10 years... maybe less, maybe more... who knows?
What would you advise a young opera singer?
Always keep your head up and if you can't do it through singing, it's better to quit because life is much more important than art.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like being lazy... I like to go out, to the stadium and watch my favourite team but most of all, I like spending time with my friends and trying to live a bit more normal than usual.
If your life could be a piece of music, that would that be?
The 3rd movement of Brahms' 3rd Symphony.
Future plans?
Decca recording for "Simon Boccanegra", "Nabucco" in Arena di Verona, "Macbeth" in Savonlinna, Requiem in London and Savonlinna (note: all these are music by G. Verdi) and then "Mefistofele" (A. Boito) in Parma.
Art is...
... freedom, happiness, sensibility... and many other things.
It happened accidentally, after I sang for Paride Venturi, who became my teacher. This happened because a friend of my father who knew I like opera and was the father of a tenor called William Matteuzzi, decided to take me to maestro Venturi... I had no idea about opera singing at that time, it was my teacher who taught me everything.
What is your favourite operatic role?
My favourite roles are those of a dramatic nature, mostly those based on historic figures. If I had to name two favourite roles, these would be Filippo and Boris Godunov. I must admit though that I am also attracted to Mefistofele!
Is there an artist that inspires you the most?
Yes. Giuseppe Verdi.
What is your process of studying a new role?
I read the music score as if I would read a book. I somehow understand immediately if the role I am reading is for my vocal chords. This is very important for all singers; to be able to choose the right roles for our voices and to know when we are ready to support them.
What is the funniest memory you have on stage?
It was a performance of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” (G. Rossini) in Tokyo. It was me, Pratico, Gasdia, Gimenez and Frontali on stage. During the performance we started doing so many funny things that we had to stop for 2 minutes just to stop from laughing.
How do you see the opera world nowadays? Is there something you would like to change?
I would change almost everything, mostly the ones in control of the theatres who cannot even distinguish a Rossinian bass from a chocolate muffin.
How is the real life style of an opera singer?
It is the most unreal, artificial and best of all lifestyles because there's no way one can get bored!
Do you teach?
Yes, I am a very passionate teacher and I want to think that the results are great. I think I am one of the last who teaches the art of Italian belcanto- an art that is almost lost nowadays... I am sorry that I don't have more time for teaching but I think teaching will be my life after 10 years... maybe less, maybe more... who knows?
What would you advise a young opera singer?
Always keep your head up and if you can't do it through singing, it's better to quit because life is much more important than art.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like being lazy... I like to go out, to the stadium and watch my favourite team but most of all, I like spending time with my friends and trying to live a bit more normal than usual.
If your life could be a piece of music, that would that be?
The 3rd movement of Brahms' 3rd Symphony.
Future plans?
Decca recording for "Simon Boccanegra", "Nabucco" in Arena di Verona, "Macbeth" in Savonlinna, Requiem in London and Savonlinna (note: all these are music by G. Verdi) and then "Mefistofele" (A. Boito) in Parma.
Art is...
... freedom, happiness, sensibility... and many other things.
