Two and a half years ago, Chris Gagliardi saw an ad on television for a local opera association and asked his mother if she thought he was talented enough to earn a role.
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staff photo by joe camporeale
Members of the Verisimo Opera warm up before practicing for their upcoming play, ‘La Boheme.’
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With his mother’s confirmation, Gagliardi called the phone number and sure enough, he landed his first role in the opera, "L'Elisir d'Amore."
For an everyday individual with a love for music, a role in an opera is exciting but for a man with autism, it’s truly remarkable.
Gagliardi, 27, was born into the world of infantile autism. Autism is a brain disorder that can affect a person’s ability to communicate and socially interact with others. "During the 80s and 90s, autistic people were placed in institutions and group homes because society couldn’t find them a place to fit in," he said. "But my mother raised me even when society told her that I wouldn’t amount to anything."
When he was younger, his mother used music to get his attention and one of the first artists she played was the late Italian operatic tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. Gagliardi’s love of music began to grow because he enjoys hearing the stories and emotions evoked in songs. "Music is a universal language that speaks volumes," he said. "And opera is one of those genres that speaks to the heart of every human being."
The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera was the television ad that caught the attention of Gagliardi. The non-profit organization has been performing in Bergen County for 19 years. In his first role with the organization, he sang as part of the chorus.
Chorus master and assistant conductor, Mara Waldman, said she was a little apprehensive when Gagliardi joined the group but quickly realized he fit in just fine.
"From the moment he auditioned with us, I actually discovered that he had a lovely voice," she said. "There was really some potential there and he has brought a lot of energy to the performances."
Gagliardi joined Verismo because he thought there was something magnificent about this diverse group of people.
"This prestigious group of people really know how to transform music," he said. "They do it because they have the passion and the drive and they really display their talents."
In their upcoming performance on Sunday, April 13 of "La Boheme," Gagliardi will use his baritone voice as part of the choir.
Gagliardi said he had to struggle with autism but being welcomed into this group has made him a better person. He doesn’t like the word disabled because he feels it’s very negative and stereotypes people. Through his love of music, he hopes to help break down the barriers and eradicate the injustices that people with physical and mental challenges have endured for so long.
"To say that I am giving hope is one thing but I’m trying to say ‘If I can do something with my life and shape my life, you can as well.’"
