Cape Town Opera will bring live operatic performances to three communities this week, offering free concerts in Langa, Bothasig, and Fish Hoek.
The initiative, Opera in Your Neighbourhood, is run in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department. It creates meaningful local encounters with opera by bringing performances into community spaces.
The diverse repertoire includes opera, classical, musical theatre, African traditional, and gospel music, giving residents the opportunity to experience the dramatic art and beauty of opera.
In the past these community concerts have brought immense joy and inspiration to audiences across the city, resonating with people of all ages. Given this positive reception, the initiative is being expanded to enable broader access to Cape Town’s cultural life.
Accessible
“Opera combines music, drama, visual art and dance in a uniquely powerful way. While it’s often seen as inaccessible, Opera in Your Neighbourhood brings opera directly to communities. The City proudly supports this initiative, giving residents the chance to experience this rich cultural art form,” said Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham.
The concerts will be presented by the Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble, which consists of 18 members and a chorus master, Antoinette Huyssen.
“These concerts serve to make opera and classical singing accessible to people who would not usually have easy access to the theatre. Audiences have always responded with much enthusiasm and heartfelt comments as they are given the opportunity to see opera singers up close and personal and in their own neighbourhood,” said Huyssen.
“The Vocal Ensemble looks forward to engaging with new and diverse audiences with their energetic and beautiful musical programme.”
Concert schedule:
The concerts are open to residents of all ages and are free of charge:
- Langa Civic Centre: Thursday 26 February at 12:00
- Bothasig Community Hall: Friday 27 February at 18:00
- Fish Hoek Community Hall: Saturday 28 February at 12:00
Secure seats in advance by sending an RSVP to ArtsandCulture.GIA@capetown.gov.za.
Opera in Your Neighbourhood is made possible by The City of Cape Town, the National Lotteries Commission and the Judith Neilson Foundation.
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