India’s only opera singer Celia Lobo passed away due to prolonged illness
India’s only opera singer Celia Lobo has passed away. She left behind a legacy in the world of opera and a family of accomplished artistes.
Celia Lobo, known as India’s only opera diva, died peacefully at home after a prolonged illness. She was accompanied by her family, including her son and renowned choreographer Ashley Lobo.
Born in 1937, Celia Baptista grew up in a musical family deeply rooted in opera traditions. In the 1960s, she joined the Bombay Madrigal Singers Organisation (BMSO), known for staging operas in Mumbai. Even after the BMSO was disbanded, Celia’s dedication to opera continued through her work as a writer, director and vocal coach. She trained many notable artists, including Sunidhi Chauhan, Shiamak Davar, Shweta Shetty, Sunita Rao, Shailesh Shandilya and Neeti Mohan.
Her son, choreographer Ashley Lobo, wrote a tribute to his mother on Instagram. It read: “Celia Lobo Opera diva, master voice teacher, musical theater director, corporate head, wife, mother and so much more to many. Just like that, you were gone. And it was like saying goodbye to a legend. But more than a legend, you were my mother. My coach, my confidence, my confidant, my friend, my biggest cheerleader. I could see your relief when you left.”
He added, “There is a lot of peace and for that I have to be happy. But you will never be gone. I will miss you and I will always carry your spirit within me. I will never forget what you and Dad have taught me and it will always be in my heart. I am who I am because of you. I will never forget that.”
How could I do that. You taught me everything. Love you so much.”
Celia Lobo has three children – Deirdre Lobo, a vocal coach and Founder/Artistic Director of the Celia Lobo Academy of Voice (CLAV) and OVIMA Global; Carolyn Vincent, a philanthropist and community builder based in Australia; and Ashley Lobo, a celebrated dancer and choreographer, Founder and Artistic Director of The Danceworks (TDX) and Navdhara India Dance Theatre (NIDT).
Celia Lobo’s legacy as a pioneer in Indian opera and a mentor to many will be cherished and remembered.
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