Renowned and legendary actor John Malkovich is poised to grace the stage alongside Cecilia Bartoli, the esteemed director of Opéra de Monte-Carlo, for the world premiere of “Their Master’s Voice” this April.

Set to take place on the 7th of April as part of the three-week-long Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo festival, the show promises a fusion of the exceptional talents of these two luminaries in their respective fields.

The collaborative piece delves into the story of the illustrious Baroque-era composer and vocal instructor, Nicola Porpora, and his equally renowned castrati pupils, Caffarelli and Farinelli.

Opera, known for its exploration of gender and identity, finds a focal point in the castrati, who, having been castrated before puberty, retained their youthful appearance and remarkable vocal range well into adulthood. Although the practice was eventually outlawed in the early 20th century, castrati were once commonplace on stages across Europe.

“Their Master’s Voice” serves as an exploration of the dynamic relationship between Porpora and his proteges, whose talents propelled them to fame in the 18th century.

The production provides a platform for both Malkovich and Bartoli to showcase their talents, blending acting with singing in a harmonious collaboration.

Malkovich, expressing his excitement for such projects, acknowledges the unique challenge of working alongside musicians and singers.

He remarks, “To work with musicians and singers is a fascinating challenge I have been embracing more and more over the last 15 years, and the experience remains amazing and gratifying. As an actor, you must recognize that music will always prevail over anything you do on stage. One might as well attempt to walk through a brick wall as to compete with music, so I relish the opportunity to engage with it.”

In my words – The Master’s Voice” promises to be a captivating exploration of music, drama, and history, uniting two titans of their respective art forms on a single stage. With Malkovich and Bartoli at the helm, audiences can anticipate an unforgettable performance that pays homage to the enduring legacy of the castrati and their maestro.

Enjoy even more  @ John Malkovich

Edit by  @ Nancy Caburnay

Editor @ Monaco Woman