Soprano Dima Bawab prepares for long-awaited Bocelli duo performance

AMMAN —  Andrea Bocelli has been the main inspiration for Jordanian soprano Dima Bawab to get involved in the opera scene, prompting her to work hard to pursue her dream in mastering operatic performances. 

Bawab recalled that her father was a big fan of opera in general, and of Bocelli in particular, adding that, one day, he brought home Bocelli's first-ever album, which sparked her interest in the genre. 

“I would wait for everyone to leave for work to play the album loudly and sing along, reading [very poorly] the Italian lyrics in the attached booklet. Until, one day, my dad realised what was happening and waited outside the door listening to my singing. He made the mistake of coming in applauding me and I didn't speak to him for a week!,” she told The Jordan Times in an interview. 

Bawab’s model Bocelli was fascinated and moved by the performance of his young fan and decided to choose her to perform with him in the Oval Forum of the ancient city of a thousand columns in Jerash on September 18. 

“I must say it's an immense honour to have been chosen to sing alongside the legendary Andrea Bocelli,” she said. 

Early musical career

Bawab grew up with a musical father and a mother who dedicated her free time to accompanying her brother and Bawab to their numerous extra-curricular activities. 

“I started my musical studies with piano at the age of 4, I was also part of the ballet troupe since I was 3. My second instrument allowed me to join the National Music Conservatory Orchestra which toured around the Middle East and Europe,” she recounted. 

Bawab’s first staged production was "West Side Story" when she was still in school. 

 “I knew then that this was what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing; learning, performing, meeting new artists, spending countless hours in a confined theatre with amazing people,” she added. 

Bawab seized several opportunities by working with high-profile musical figures such as the legendary English conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner, which positively shaped her musical career. 

 “I met him after having graduated from the Conservatoire in Paris; it was a great learning experience which developed my singing technique immensely and expanded my repertoire to new horizons," she explained, adding "he was the first to detect my tone and described it as 'warm and round'. He thought it was most suitable to the French romantic repertoire. My role in Pelléas and Mélisande, which allowed me to make my first steps on the French opera scene, stand as a testimony,” she said.

Being an opera performer

Bawab described being an opera singer as “spending the rest of your life learning new roles”.

“Even if you were to perform the same role twice or more, the performance can never be the same, there's always a new challenge to overcome, a new stage stunt, a new pair of shoes to fit into and a new cast to adapt to," she said

"Having toured a few years ago and performed the Magic Flute for over 500 times, I know for sure that every performance is different and unique,” the Jordanian artist added.  

For Bawab, singing in her home country is a special experience she always enjoys. 

“It is always with great pleasure that I return to sing back home, but my very first solo performance in Jerash remains unforgettable. I visited this site as a kid and attended many musical and theatrical events on the northern and southern amphitheatres. And then, suddenly, I find myself back on that same stage. It is impossible to describe. And I am sure I will relive that same feeling soon on September 18,” she stated. 

 Bawab stressed that the support she received from her parents was massive. 

 “I would not have made it this far had it not been for the support of my parents. They continue to travel to meet me in various destinations to show their support and love for the path that I have chosen. To them, I am forever indebted,” she noted. 

Bawab said shows like the performance she is going to take part in next month will help shed light on the local talents. 

“I am sure it will, and, for that opportunity, I am very grateful even if my singing career has already taken me around the world, especially when I toured with Peter Brook's molière winning production of "A Magic Flute" for 3 years across Europe, North Central and South America, Asia, Australia and Russia,” she said.  

Advice to aspiring artists

Amidst the limited opportunities aspiring artists in Jordan can gain, Bawab stressed that support of the family in addition to individual talent are important elements for young artists in pursuing their artistic path.

I have been very blessed. First, with the voice I was given, and, second, to have had parents who helped me pursue this career, who supported me throughout many hard years. I wish this good fortune to everyone willing to pursue such an uncommon path," she said, adding "my advice to them would be to follow their hearts, listen to their instincts, and make sure to pursue their dreams joyfully, accepting the challenges along the way and learning to make the best out of every hardship and blessing,”