It’s difficult to overstate the exquisite popularity of “Nessun Dorma,” quite possibly one of the most instantly-recognizable tenor arias in all opera. From the final act of Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot, “Nessun Dorma” is perhaps most closely identified with late Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti, owing to his rousing rendition during the 1990 FIFA World Cup. In fact, accompanied by the other members of the Three Tenors, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, Pavarotti performed the aria at three subsequent world cup finals in USA 1994, France 1998 and Japan/South Korea 2002. Given its status in the world of opera as well as the football realm, it’s no surprise that our very own Brazilian tenor Luperci de Souza, a member of the Voices of Silversea, chose to perform this unforgettable aria while he waits to perform for Silversea guests once more.

De Souza started studying music in his native Brazil when he was 6 years old by joining the country’s oldest boys choir in in the city of Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro. “Since then I’ve never stopped. I absolutely fell in love with music and one thing led to the next,” says the tenor. He would go on to graduate with a degree in music from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro before moving to Argentina and Uruguay. He was later awarded a full international scholarship to pursue a Masters degree in Opera at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. A member of the Voices of Silversea since October 2014, De Souza shares his thoughts on what “Nessum Dorma” means to him and what it means to perform on Silversea cruises.

Where is home right now?

I’ve just moved to London after being granted a Global Talent Visa to work and live in the UK. It was a dream of mine for a long time, and I’m so happy to be here. I recorded the song for Silversea from my living room in my tiny flat.

 How are you coping with the global lockdown?

Well, it has been very challenging indeed, especially when we knew that the ships would have to stop sailing for a while. When you start to sail and work at sea, your fellow crew members and guests do become your family and we all miss being at sea. Apart from that, I’m very lucky to have been around loved ones and being safe and well during these very difficult times.

I also chose “Nessun Dorma” for the message it relays: “Dilegua o notte/ tramontate stelle/ all’alba vincerò!” Which means: “Vanish, o night/ set, stars/ at dawn I will win!”. In my opinion, this is what the whole world wants right now: for this whole night of nightmares to end and for humanity to win one more time. 

Luperci de Souza

What led you to choose “Nessun Dorma”?

Nessun Dorma is probably the most famous aria from an opera. Since the BBC brought Opera to the masses when it used Luciano Pavarotti’s rendition of “Nessun Dorma” as the opener to its coverage of the 1990 Football World Cup, that aria has become an icon for singers all over the world, specially all the tenors out there. I also chose “Nessun Dorma” for the message it relays: “Dilegua o notte, tramontate stelle, all’alba vincerò!” Which means: “Vanish, o night, set stars, at dawn I will win!”. In my opinion, this is what the whole world wants right now: for this whole night of nightmares to end and for humanity to win one more time. 

What are some of your musical influences?

As a tenor, the Three Tenors (Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras) have been a big influence, but also singers such as Roberto Alagna, Mario Lanza and Fritz Wunderlich. More recently I’m fascinated by a musical theatre singer called Ramin Karimloo and jazz star Kurt Elling. 

Tell us about how it feels to perform on a Silversea Cruise.

It’s absolutely amazing. We work with some many talented people including not only the cast, but incredible trios, stage managers, DJs and so many more people that put so much effort into making the shows incredible for our guests. It is very special to see that theatre full and receive the support from the guests after the shows. 

Is there any particular ship and/or region that you enjoy most?

That’s a tricky question, but because I have been part of three World Cruises, I think the Silver Whisper has a special place in my heart. It really feels like a second home. About regions, after traveling to more than 100 countries, I think Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean are my favorites. 

Once travel resumes, where do you look forward to traveling?

To be honest, as soon as travels resume I want to be there sailing the high seas and performing and entertaining our Venetian and First Timer guests, where we go will be a secondary thought, it will be so exciting to be onboard again very soon!