Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 1, 2022 Malden High students blown away by opera performer By Tara Vocino M alden High School Italian class students were touched by a Malden professional opera singer performance in the auditorium last Friday morning. Opera singer Natalja Sticco, who lives in the Bell Rock area of the city, said that opera conveys emotion through song, often in other languages. “My mission is to make opera more approachable,” the Russian opera singer and IT engineer said. After the performance, students shared their thoughts with the Malden Advocate. Sophomore Matthew Goroshko, who is in Honors Italian class and involved in the drama club, called it one of the most amazing things he’s ever heard. “I’m speechless,” Goroshko said. “She inspires me, and it was soul-touching.” Sophomore Alejandra Fernandez said Sticco is talented and incredible. “It shows how someone in Malden can achieve their dreams with hard work,” Fernandez said. “I loved her performance.” Sophomore Karen Reyes, who sings soprano in chorus, said she learned a lot about singing in the workshop. “I like opera music a lot,” Reyes said. “She is a great inspiration.” Italian teacher Dr. Giuseppe Formato said he thinks the performance was incredible. “I learned how the Italian language and culture positively influenced Natalja’s life and also how they can serve as a way to bring the Malden community together, as a means to get students thinking about their passions and pursuing the arts, as was evident in the discussion portion of the workshop,” ForMalden High School Italian class Honor students are shown with Malden opera singer Natalja Sticco (center right). Natalja Sticco’s husband, Gene Sticco, who handles the business aspect, said the challenge of the profession is that she often puts more work into it than what she gets paid for. Professional opera singer Natalja Sticco lives in the Bell Rock area of Malden. Malden High School Italian teachers with opera singer Natalja Sticco, shown from left to right: Dr. Giuseppe Formato, Sticco and Fredy Rodriguez-Diaz. mato said. Sticco moved to Malden in February 2020, and it was her first time performing at a school. Natal ja St i cco said pop singers, such as Katy Perry, Jason Derulo, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, started off their careers by studying opera. Performing artist Natalja Sticco sang “Va, Pensiero” (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves), a song from the Verdi opera “Nabucco.” MHS students in the audience listened attentively. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Shown from left to right: Malden High School sophomores Matthew Goroshko, Karen Reyes and Alejandra Fernandez with Natalja Sticco’s CDs, following her opera performance in the auditorium last Friday morning.
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