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Back by popular demand, Joburg Theatre & Marcus Desando are pleased to present the 2nd edition of Cantiamo, Mzansi Opera Celebration at the Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre complex from Wednesday, 21 April until Sunday, 2 May 2021 in celebration of South African opera singers that have cemented their place on local and international stages. The programme will showcase some of the most popular opera arias and ensembles and there will be a selection of local compositions as part of the concert to celebrate South Africa’s contribution to the global opera repertoire.
This concert celebrates the exceptional talents of four local soloists who have established themselves in the worldwide opera, oratorio and concert arenas. Lyric soprano, Kimmy Skota (Rigoletto,The Magic Flute, Starlight Classics), baritone Bongani Khubeka (Don Giovanni, Handel’s Messiah, Last Night at the Proms), mezzo soprano Teresa de Wit (Madama Butterfly, Verdi’s La Traviata, Carmen) and tenor, Phenye Modiane (Cosi fan tutte, La Traviata, La Boheme) will be accompanied by Paul Ferreira (Madama Butterfly, Le nozze di Figaro, Tiger Bay) on piano and supported by the Vivacious Sounds Choir.
Following its highly successful debut season in October last year, the second edition of Cantiamo – Mzansi Opera Celebration features popular opera arias and ensembles from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Verdi’s La Traviata, together with a selection of extracts from works by local composers including Mohau Mogale’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela, as well as Mzilikazi Khumalo’s Princess Magogo. This wide ranging programme concludes with the Inkathazo Koloi medley of traditional songs.
“The home-grown operatic talents of this country’s singers has showcased South African voices around the world and produced many internationally recognised opera stars. We are honoured to celebrate unforgettable opera at the Mandela Theatre, in the company of four wonderful soloists accompanied by master pianist, Paul Ferreira.” says Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema.
Cantiamo – Mzansi Opera Celebration, directed by renowned artistic producer and director Marcus Desando (Black Tie Ensemble, BTE VO1ss, Gauteng Opera, CEO Arts & Culture Trust) made its highly successful debut season at the Mandela Theatre in October last year. The 2020 rave review by The African Theatre Magazine best sums up this production as “…. an operatic musical extravaganza! The expertly curated production was enjoyed by a hugely appreciative and socially-distanced audience who from their reactions wanted more, even when the curtain had come down.”
In line with current COVID-19 regulations, seats are limited. Special discounted tickets at R70 per person are available for the 14h00 full dress rehearsal and the 19h00 preview on Wednesday, 21 April as well as 19h00 previews from Thursday, 22 April to Saturday, 24 April inclusive. Tickets for performances of this special live programme cost R200 per person for all 19h00 performances and Sunday shows begin at 15h00. Book now online at www.joburgtheatre.com or www.webtickets.co.za
With theatre seating currently limited to a total of two hundred and fifty guests, patrons are urged to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. All COVID-19 health and safety protocols are strictly adhered to. Patrons are reminded to uphold social distancing and masks must be worn at all times, covering both nose and mouth. To allow for sufficient time for screening and sanitising procedures, patrons are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to show starting times.
Take up the opportunity to celebrate the performances of four of this country’s finest operatic singers live on the Mandela stage in this special programme. For further information, visit www.joburgtheatre.com or keep up to date with Joburg Theatre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. #CantiamoSA #CelebratingMzansiOpera
Dates:
Wednesday, 21 April to Sunday, 02 May 2021
Venue:
The Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein
Performances and Prices:
No Monday performances
Wednesday, 21 April 2021 at 14h00 Full Dress Rehearsal and 19h00 Preview - R70 per person Thursday, 22 April 2021; Friday, 23 April and Saturday, 24 April Preview shows, all at 19h00. R70 per person.
Sunday, 25 April 2021 at 15h00 - R200 per person
Tuesday, 27 April to Saturday, 01 May 2021 all at 19h00 - R 200 per person.
Sunday, 02 May 2021 at 15h00 - R 200 per person
Bookings: Joburg Theatre Box Office, tel. 0861 670 670,
or online at www.joburgtheatre.com or www.webtickets.co.za or
at your nearest Pick ‘n Pay outlet including PnP Liquor, PnP Clothing, PnP Hyper and BP Express stores Patrons can also book and pay via the Nedbank app and at selected Pick n Pay stores (full list at www.webtickets.co.za/pnpoutlets.aspx)