In an era dominated by K-pop, P-pop, and powerful belting vocals, the Opera Belles bring something different to the table
The Opera Belles, a vibrant and captivating classical cross-over group under the Philippine Opera Company, are back with a fresh line-up. After a hiatus since their last batch in 2018, due in part to the pandemic, the group has finally welcomed three new members: Nicolah Lim, 17; Sheena Bentoy, 15; and Daniella Silab, 21. These young, pretty, and fresh artists bring a unique twist to the group, known for their ability to infuse modern pop hits with classical vocal techniques.
Looking for the next batch of Opera Belles took quite some time, according to the group’s manager Karla Gutierrez—almost five years.
The Opera Belles aren’t your typical classical ensemble. These performers take on covers by iconic artists like Taylor Swift, Madonna, Miley Cirus, and Rihanna, delivering them with the finesse and precision of classical singing. What sets them apart is not just their vocal prowess, but their ability to dance while performing, adding a dynamic visual element to their shows. They’re designed to appeal to a younger generation, combining the elegance of opera with the energy of pop.
Casting new members for Opera Belles is a challenging task. It requires finding individuals who are not only young and good-looking but also possess the ability to dance, have a pleasing personality, and most importantly, carry that distinct classical timbre. The new batch stands out not just for their talent, but for their diverse characters and personalities, which add depth and variety to their performances.
The youngest and the bubbliest of the group, Sheena Bentoy, started her singing career at an even earlier age, when she was cast as the young Nala in the touring cast of The Lion King, which took her to Singapore and Korea. “Singing has been my passion since I was 5; it’s always been a way for me to express myself and connect with others,” Bentoy said.
Nicolah Lim, a college freshman at the Philippine Polytechnic University, started her musical journey singing in church and in school. “I’ve always had a deep passion for singing and performing, because I find joy in creating moments that make people happy. I believe joining Opera Belles will mark a significant turning point in my life, allowing me to grow as an artist while sharing something beautiful with others,” Lim said.
University of the Philippines College of Music Diliman graduate Daniella Silab has been singing since the age of 3, and pursued classical voice studies at the Philippine High School for the Arts. “This early training solidified my love for classical singing. I continued my studies through college, where I earned a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Vocal Performance,” Silab said. But she observed the classical music scene in the Philippines is quite small, pop music being the dominant genre here.
“I joined Opera Belles because I see it as a unique opportunity and platform to bridge the gap between classical and pop music, making classical music more accessible and engaging to a broader audience,“ Silab said. Joining the group gave her the chance to collaborate with other talented musicians, which she finds incredibly inspiring and fulfilling.
The Opera Belles aim to enchant audiences in corporate shows and concerts, bridging the gap between classical and contemporary music. Their performances are a testament to the versatility of classical music, proving that it can be just as hip and relatable to today’s audience.
In an era dominated by K-pop, P-pop, and powerful belting vocals, the Opera Belles bring something different to the table. They offer a unique blend of classical music with contemporary pop, creating a sound that appeals to both traditional music lovers and modern audiences. The need for the Opera Belles in today’s music scene lies in their ability to bridge the gap between the past and the present, making classical music accessible and enjoyable to a broader audience, especially the younger generation.
Photography Karl Rimado
Styling and Creative Direction Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup Theresa Padin
Hairstyle Arvee Yadao
Fashion by Bershka, Pull & Bear and Stradivarius
