Our friend Frazan Kotwal was interviewed by Vichaar Vibes on Youtube….
In this episode 29, we talked to Frazan Adil Kotwal @frazankotwal3768 an opera singer born in Mumbai, uniquely combines music, social engagement, and artistic dedication in his career. 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 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 dedication and talent 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 honors such as the Fritz Wunderlich Prize and the Yehudi Menuhin Live Music Now Scholarship. He is currently mentored by Sir Simon Keenlyside and Catherine Foster.
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, and Dr. Falke in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus on professional opera stages. These roles are part of a diverse repertoire that also includes Bottom in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, showcasing his versatility and extraordinary artistic range.
As a sought-after recital and concert singer, Frazan performs regularly with his pianist in cities such as New York, London, Vienna, and other cultural hubs worldwide. His future promises captivating performances across Europe and the United Kingdom, including his highly anticipated debut as Don Giovanni next year in Heilbronn. His career stands as a testament to artistic brilliance, social responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the transformative power of music.
