From Dawn to Dream: A Western Classical Vocal Recital

Frazan Adil Kotwal baritone, was born in Mumbai and is internationally celebrated for combining musical excellence, social commitment, and deep artistic integrity. After graduating from Jaihind College in Mumbai in 2015 with a degree in Mass Media and Journalism, he turned his passion toward classical music and has since used his talent to make a meaningful difference. Since 2011, he has led impactful classical music projects for underprivileged children in the slums of Mumbai, bringing access to the arts to those who need it most. In 2017, Frazan moved to Germany to study with Prof. Ulrike Sonntag at the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart. His talent and dedication earned him scholarships to prestigious international festivals, including the AlpenKammerMusik Festival in Austria and the Art Song Preservation Society in New York. In Stuttgart, he completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with distinction and received honours such as the Fritz Wunderlich Prize, the Yehudi Menuhin Live Music Now Scholarship, DAAD Prize for exceptional work etc.. He is currently mentored by Sir Simon Keenlyside, Catherine Foster, and Jack LiVigni. Since November 2024, Frazan has served as the Second Chairperson of the Christel-Guthörle Foundation in Reutlingen. This foundation is dedicated to supporting young musicians, and Frazan is deeply committed to continuing its mission and nurturing future generations of artists. Frazan is the first Indian ever in the history of classical music and opera to perform roles such as the Count in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni in Mozart’s Don Giovanni,  Dr. Falke in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus etc. on professional opera stages. His 2025 performance of Don Giovanni  was met with great critical acclaim, with reviewers praising his performance as: “A voice rich and full of nuance, with an effortlessly commanding stage presence.” “Magnetic charisma that anchors every scene he is in.” “Vocally confident, dramatically layered, and musically thrilling.”   These accolades have been followed by further successes in the roles of Marcello in Puccini’s La Bohème and Belcore in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore in Sicily, Italy, all of which underline his growing stature as one of the most promising young baritones of his generation. In addition to opera, Frazan is a sought-after Lied and concert specialist, regularly performing in recitals and oratorios. His repertoire includes works like Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen to Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, and other major works of the art songs.. His interpretations are noted for their emotional honesty, linguistic precision, and depth of expression. He frequently performs in cities such as New York, London, Vienna, and other cultural capitals. With a unique blend of operatic brilliance, intellectual curiosity, and social engagement, Frazan continues to forge a career that is as inspiring as it is artistically compelling. His career stands as a testament to artistic brilliance, social responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the transformative power of music.

Nadine Jo Crasto Young Steinway Artist, Nadine Jo Crasto began learning the piano at the tender age of 9,  under the tutelage of Myrna Fernandes. In 2015 she graduated with a Master of  Arts Degree in Piano Performance at the Royal Academy of Music, London,  studying under Colin Stone. She completed the LTCL Examination in 2009 at the age of 17 and received two awards for the ATCL Examination, having achieved the highest marks in Mumbai. She has participated twice in the All-India Music Quest Competition achieving Gold Seals and winning first place in the Jazz and Popular Music section in 2011, as well as in the All-India Con Brio Festival, at which she was a semi-finalist in the year 2010. In 2018, she was invited to join the contingent of Con Brio competition winners and participate in the festival.