Muscat: Gioconda Vessichelli, the renowned Italian opera singer and actress, recently graced the stage at the Royal Opera House Muscat for an exclusive performance. She also captivated the audience at a pre-wedding celebration for Anant Ambani, the son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia's wealthiest individual and the ninth richest person in the world. With an impressive track record of winning seven international opera awards, Gioconda is not only a trailblazer in her field but also the pioneer of BollywoOPERA, a unique fusion of Bollywood and opera music, which she patented in New Delhi.
During her visit to Oman, Gioconda took the time to explore the country's famous landmarks and was in awe of its natural beauty. She expressed her admiration, stating, "Oman is a captivating year-round destination with a rich history and diverse landscapes. It boasts towering desert dunes, palm-lined beaches, and lush verdant mountains, where ancient charm seamlessly blends with modern comforts."
In recognition of her groundbreaking work in merging opera and Hindi music, Gioconda was honored with the Indian Woman Award. This prestigious accolade, previously bestowed only upon Mother Teresa, celebrates her role in bridging the gap between Western and Indian music. Gioconda's multifaceted talents extend beyond her vocal prowess, as she is also a composer, lyricist, director, and a skilled musician proficient in playing five instruments. Additionally, she possesses the remarkable ability to speak seven languages and sing in twelve.
Having developed a deep connection with India through her numerous visits, Gioconda felt compelled to give back something invaluable - her voice. This led to the creation of BollywoOpera, a musical innovation that showcases her passion for both Bollywood and opera.
Gioconda's exceptional style garnered immense admiration, leading to collaborations with major Indian labels such as T-Series, Sony, and Zee Music for the release of her songs. Notable Bollywood hits like "Der se aana jaldi jaana" reaching 10 million views on YouTube, “Touch [Opera] in the movie Prague, and “Ziddi Dil” in the movie Mary Kom have solidified her presence in the industry.
Gioconda reminisces about her childhood, stating, “I began playing the piano at the age of 4, and my mother always said that I was born to sing, not cry. Despite facing resistance from my family, who were not musically inclined, I pursued music passionately. Juggling music with my scientific studies was challenging, but I persevered, participating in international competitions and practicing piano in a cold church. Music has always been my solace.”
Despite personal hardships, including the loss of her mother at a young age, Gioconda excelled in both scientific and musical studies, earning degrees in opera singing and musicology from the Italian conservatory "Santa Cecilia." Her philanthropic endeavors earned her the title of "Dame" from the Royal House of Italy, and her commitment to world peace was recognized by India's Prime Minister in 2016 for the international video "We are one."
Having collaborated with Grammy award-winning artists like Ennio Morricone, Benjamin Britten, Sukhwinder Singh, and V Selvaganesh, Gioconda's musical journey has been enriched by her mentor Luciano Pavarotti, a seven-time Grammy winner.
