Cape Town Opera is set to present “Puccini in the Park” as part of the Maynardville Open Air Festival this February. On Feb. 4, 2024, the company will present a concert featuring excerpts from Puccini’s most famed works including “Tosca,” “Turandot,” “La Bohème,” “Madama Butterfly,” and “Gianni Schicchi.” “We relish the opportunity to perform in Maynardville’s magical outdoor setting and {…}
(Photo credit: Annène van Eeden) Cape Town Opera has released details of its 2024 season. One-off concert performances include “Puccini in the Park” at the Maynardville Open Air Festival, “Starlight Classics” at Vergelegen, and Mozart’s “Requiem” at the Paarl Toringkerk at Easter. All performances are in collaboration with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Performance Dates: TBA In commemoration of the {…}
The acclaimed play about Maria Callas, “Master Class” by Terrence McNally, returns to Cape Town Opera after Pieter Toerien’s recent sold-out seasons. The play will take place at the Toyota US Woordfees in Stellenbosch and is scheduled from October 7-10, 2023, at the Adam Small Auditorium. Directed by Magdalene Minnaar and with musical direction by José Dias, the production stars {…}
(Credit: Kayla Demi Pietersen) Cape Town Opera and Opera UCT are set to present a production of Verdi’s “La Traviata” this October 26-29, 2023. The work will star Brittany Smith as Violetta, Lukhanyo Moyake as Alfredo, and Conroy Scott as Germont; a second cast features Ondelwa Martins as Violetta, Sakhumzi Martins as Alfredo and Siphe Kwani as Germont. Other performers {…}
Cape Town Opera is set to present Puccini’s “Tosca” this September at the Artscape Opera House. The production, which opens on Sept. 12, 2023, and runs through the 17th, will be directed by Magdalene Minnaar and conducted by Björn Bantock, who leads the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Cape Town Opera Chorus. The work will star Nobulumko Mngxekeza in the {…}
Photo Credit: Fiona MacPherson Cape Town Opera, along with AM Productions, will present the South African premiere of Fred Abrahamse’s new adaptation of Pauline Viardot’s “Cendrillon.” Abrahamse shared in a press release that, “Besides this show being an absolute joy for multi-generational theatre-goers, Cinderella is the ideal way to introduce young children to opera being fun, visually and musically delightful {…}
Cape Town Opera has announced that it will be bringing back its production of Terrence McNally’s “Master Class.” The company presented the work earlier this year between Feb. 20-April 2, 2023. However, that entire run was sold out and the company has unveiled its intention to present the work between Sept. 26-30, 2023. The production will feature the cast from the {…}
Photo Credit: Nana Moraes German-Polish conductor Adam Szmidt was recently named the resident conductor and head vocal coach of Cape Town Opera. Szmidt is a sought-after conductor and educator. He has conducted and performed on all six continents with the Northern Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Rhein-Main-Philhamoniker, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and Pomeriggi Musicali Milano, to name a few. Szmidt has taught master {…}
Cape Town Opera’s “Opera Blocks” series for babies is set to return this April. This specially-curated production, called “Opera Blocks: Petals,” is designed to engage the youngest of minds with music, choreography, and visual effects for an immersive experience. Sponsored by the City of Cape Town, the production is directed by Magdalene Minnaar, with set and costumes by the CTO production {…}
Cape Town Opera has unveiled its 2023 season. First up is “Masterclass,” featuring Sandra Prinsloo as Maria Callas in a production by Cape Town Opera Artistic Director Magdalene Minnaar. Musical direction will be provided by José Dias, who will also act and play the piano. The showcase will feature music by Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini, with artists such as Brittany Smith and CTO’s Judith {…}
Cape Town Opera (CTO), the only permanently active opera company on the African continent, has announced its 2023 soloist lineup, which comprises baritone Conroy Scott, soprano Nobulumko Mngxekeza, soprano Brittany Smith and tenor Lukhanyo Moyake. The new soloists of CTO will hold permanent positions with the company. Each artist took part in some of the 97 performances given in 2022. Scott’s latest {…}