Frazan Adil Kotwal, baritone and Nadine Jo Crasto, piano
In a programme of German Lieder and Opera Arias – Gustav Holst: Ushas, Gustav Mahler: Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, Edvard Grieg: Ich liebe dich, Franz Schubert: Der Lindenbaum, Richard Strauss: Zueignung, Op. 10 No. 1, Franz Liszt: Consolation No. 3 (Piano Solo), Gaetano Donizetti: Bella siccome un angelo, Ruggero Leoncavallo: E fra quest’ansie, Gioachino Rossini: Largo al factotum and Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II: You’ll Never Walk Alone
In association with Goethe Institut – Max Mueller Bhavan
Frazan Adil Kotwal, baritone, born in Mumbai and raised in Pune, is internationally celebrated for combining musical excellence, social commitment, and deep artistic integrity. 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 meaningful 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.
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, Dr. Falke in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus etc. on professional opera stages. His 2025 performances of Don Giovanni were met with great critical acclaim, with reviewers praising his performance as:“A voice rich and full of nuance, with an effortlessly commanding stage presence.”, “Magnetic charisma that anchors every scene he is in.”, “Vocally confident, dramatically layered, and musically thrilling.”
In addition to opera, Frazan is a sought-after Lied and concert specialist, regularly performing in recitals and oratorios. His repertoire includes works like Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen to Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, and other major works of art songs.. His interpretations are noted for their emotional honesty, linguistic precision, and depth of expression. He frequently performs in cities such as New York, London, Vienna, and other cultural capitals. With a unique blend of operatic brilliance, intellectual curiosity, and social engagement, Frazan continues to forge a career that is as inspiring as it is artistically compelling. His career stands as a testament to artistic brilliance, social responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the transformative power of music.
Young Steinway Artist, Nadine Jo Crasto began learning the piano at the tender age of 9, under the tutelage of Myrna Fernandes. In 2015 she graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Piano Performance at the Royal Academy of Music, London, studying under Colin Stone. She completed the LTCL Examination in 2009 at the age of 17 and received two awards for the ATCL Examination, having achieved the highest marks in Mumbai.
She has participated twice in the All-India Music Quest Competition achieving Gold Seals and winning first place in the Jazz and Popular Music section in 2011, as well as in the All-India Con Brio Festival, at which she was a semi-finalist in the year 2010. In 2018, she was invited to join the contingent of Con Brio competition winners and participate in the festival.
From Dawn to Dream traces the luminous journey of Indian baritone Frazan Adil Kotwal, whose path in Western classical music has taken him from India to acclaimed performances on international stages. This long-awaited debut presents a heartfelt selection of German Lieder and operatic arias — a musical reflection on aspiration, light, and belonging — concluding with a special Indian surprise. As an internationally sought-after baritone and the first Indian artist to perform several iconic operatic roles on professional European stages, Frazan brings a voice rich in depth and expression. Pianist Nadine Jo Crasto, known for her sensitivity and artistry, complements him as a steadfast pillar of Mumbai’s Western classical music scene. Nadine has trained, conducted and composed vocal arrangements for choirs, preparing them for competitions and performances since the age of 16. She also gives private piano lessons and prepares students for music exams, competitions and performances. A number of her students have achieved distinctions and won prizes.
