Two Kenyan Opera singers are bound to represent the country at the second edition of the OperAffinity Festival at the hilltop town of Todi, Umbria on from 8th to 14th September.
Leading up to the festival, a series of fundraising concerts are currently taking place in Nairobi, the latest being last evening’s “An Opera Gala,” at the Tribe Hotel Gala, who have sponsored their stay in Kenya. The Sauce caught up with Stillman for more lowdown on OperAffinity and everything in-between.
1. What is the OperAffinity Festival?
The OperAffinity Festival is an international opera and classical music festival held in the medieval hilltop town of Todi, in Umbria, Italy. My family has a home in the centre of Todi, and I fell in love with the town and its culture the very first time I visited. The festival brings together young artists and world-class musicians from across five continents to perform, create, and collaborate. It is not just about concerts—it includes new commissions, flash mobs in the piazzas, children’s concerts, and collaborations with some of Italy’s most prestigious institutions. It’s a celebration of opera and music’s power to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds, all within the stunning backdrop of Umbria.
2. What implored you to start the OperAffinity Festival?
The idea grew out of my work in Kenya and my lifelong passion for music. In 2019, I had the privilege of working with more than 5,000 young people in Nairobi through various outreach programmes. I was deeply moved by the power of music to connect, inspire, and transform lives. That experience made me want to create something that brought together both worlds—Italy, with its rich cultural heritage, and the kind of outreach and inclusivity I had seen in Kenya. OperAffinity was born as a way to introduce opera to new audiences, make it accessible, and give opportunities to talented young people who may not otherwise have access to training or performance platforms.
3. What was the process of selecting Kelvin Njoroge and Mariah Gichu to represent Kenya on the international stage?
Earlier this year, I met with Ambassador Fredrick Matwang’a, Kenya’s Ambassador to Rome, to discuss the work I had been doing with organisations like Ghetto Classics, Mukuru Promotion Centre, and Ruben Centre. I had seen extraordinary talent and passion in Nairobi and wanted to create opportunities for young Kenyans to work on international stages. Ambassador Matwang’a kindly connected me with the Ministry of Culture in Nairobi. Together with Dr Chokera, Senior Assistant Director at the Permanent Presidential Music Commission, we identified promising singers. Mariah Gichu had already been part of an opera programme we ran in collaboration with Ghetto Classics in 2024, so it was a natural decision to work with her again. I was also hugely impressed by Kelvin Njoroge’s talent, passion, and dedication. Both of them embody the spirit of this project and will represent Kenya beautifully in Italy.
4. What is the significance of this collaboration between the Kenyan Ministry of Culture and OperAffinity?
This collaboration is groundbreaking because it creates a bridge between Kenya and Italy, offering Kenyan singers the chance to perform and train on international stages. The Ministry of Culture, along with Ambassador Fredrick Matwang’a, have been incredibly supportive because they see this as a way of showcasing Kenyan talent globally and inspiring younger generations back home. It demonstrates that with passion and hard work, dreams can be achieved. It’s also about cultural diplomacy—using the arts to build stronger ties between nations and celebrate shared creativity.
5. This year’s theme is “Artistic Excellence, Cultural Diplomacy and Youth Engagement – Umbria on the International Stage.” What is the significance of this theme to this year’s festival?
The theme captures the essence of what OperAffinity is about. Artistic Excellence reflects our commitment to the highest quality of performance and training. Cultural Diplomacy highlights the role of music in building international bridges, such as our collaboration with Kenya this year. Youth Engagement is at the heart of our mission: empowering the next generation of musicians and giving them a platform to learn, grow, and perform. Bringing all of this to Umbria places this small but culturally rich town on the world stage, showing that even in the quiet hills of Italy, music can have a global impact.
6. What were the key lessons you learned after 2023’s inaugural festival?
Our first festival in 2023 was an extraordinary experience, but also a huge learning curve. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of building a strong, reliable team—you can’t do everything alone. I also realised how vital it is to be adaptable and patient when navigating the Italian cultural and logistical systems (learning the language more quickly would have been a big help!). But above all, I learned that there is a real appetite for this kind of festival—one that combines quality with accessibility and inclusivity. The warm response from both the local community and international artists gave me the confidence to keep building.
7. What are some existing misconceptions about opera?
A common misconception is that opera is only for the wealthy or for a very select group of people. In reality, opera is for everyone. It’s an art form that speaks to universal human emotions—love, loss, joy, grief—and it can move anyone, regardless of background. At OperAffinity, we work hard to present opera in new and exciting ways so that people who might never have thought it was “for them” can discover how powerful and accessible it really is.
8. What are your long-term goals for OperAffinity?
I want OperAffinity to become a global platform for young talent. My long-term vision is to create scholarship and mentorship programmes that allow promising musicians from all over the world to study with leading artists, gain international exposure, and build sustainable careers. I would also like the festival itself to grow into one of Europe’s most respected cultural events, while always staying true to our mission of accessibility, inclusion, and community. Ultimately, OperAffinity should be known not only for great music but for the opportunities it creates.
9. What is the significance of the upcoming concerts in Nairobi leading up to the festival in Italy?
These concerts are both practical and symbolic. Practically, they allow us to prepare Kelvin and Mariah musically and culturally before they travel to Italy, and they also serve as fundraising events to help cover costs. Symbolically, they are a celebration of Kenya’s vibrant cultural life and a way of introducing these young singers to their local audiences before they step onto the international stage. It’s about building pride at home before representing the country abroad.
10. What is your advice to up-and-coming opera singers in Kenya?
My advice is to embrace every opportunity Nairobi offers—it’s a city with so much incredible culture. Join choirs, music groups, and collaborate widely. Language skills are essential in opera, so start working on Italian, French, and German as early as you can. Take advantage of the endless resources available today—watch performances online, learn from the great singers of the past and present. And remember, opera is not an easy path, but it is incredibly rewarding. It brings peace, discipline, and joy. Most importantly, believe in yourself and keep pushing forward—Kenya has extraordinary talent, and the world is waiting to hear it.
Breana Stillman is an Australian soprano based in Italy, known for her rich lyric voice, expressive artistry, and captivating stage presence. A graduate of the Melba Conservatorium of Music and the Dennis O’Neill Academy in Wales, she has performed across Europe, the UK, and Australia. She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of OperAffinity, a cultural organisation reimagining opera for new audiences and fostering cross-cultural collaborations through initiatives like the OperAffinity Festival in Todi.
