No one loves wearing a mask at work, but spare a thought for the chorus of the Paris Opera, having to project through multiple layers of cotton and polyester. But having a mask strapped across one's face is far from ideal for a singer. "When one sings opera, there are deep inhalations and deep exhalations, so if breathing is restricted, we get tired very easily." In opera, the chorus often takes centre-stage, as in ever-popular set pieces like Va, pensiero from Verdi's Nabucco or the Gypsy Chorus from La Traviata. "The tests to join the Opera are extremely demanding," he said, requiring a mastery of multiple languages, musical styles and technique.

Source: The Star April 07, 2021 09:00 UTC