The City of Cape Town this week announced that nearly 600 residents of Bothasig, Langa and Fish Hoek attended its “Opera in Your Neighbourhood” concert series held at the end of last month.
The free concerts were made possible by the City’s Arts and Culture Development Department, who partnered with the Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble.
The concerts took opera beyond traditional theatre spaces and into local neighbourhoods, making high-quality cultural experiences accessible to residents of all ages. By bringing performances directly to community venues the initiative aimed to broaden access to the arts and lessen barriers related to geography and affordability, the City said.
Francine Higham, Mayco member for Community Services and Health, said the response from residents had been inspiring.
“By partnering with organisations like Cape Town Opera and Cape Town City Ballet we were bringing high-quality performances into neighbourhoods so that more people can enjoy the arts close to home. We thank the performers and every resident who came out to support the concerts.”
The Cape Town Vocal Ensemble consists of 18 members and a chorus master who entertained concertgoers with a diverse repertoire, which included opera, musical theatre, African traditional, classical and gospel music.
