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IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Experience the magic of the 4th Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition
The 2023 winners of the Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition Image: Supplied Lovers of music, theatre, and emerging talent, mark your calendars for an enchanting evening. The highly anticipated 4th Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition will take centre stage on Monday, 4 August at 7pm at the Baxter Theatre, promising a dazzling night filled with charm, sparkle, and musical brilliance. Established in 2022 by South Africa's beloved operatic doyenne Aviva Pelham, this competition celebrates the often-overlooked and delightful genre of operetta—characterised by its playful, poignant storytelling and rich dramatic potential. The competition serves as a vital springboard for Africa's rising vocal stars. 'This competition is about joy,' said Pelham. 'It introduces young singers to a repertoire that is wonderfully entertaining and technically demanding. We want to ensure that this music continues to live and inspire—and that our singers are equipped to carry it to stages across the world.' Hosted in collaboration with Opera UCT and its visionary director, Professor Jeremy Silver, the competition promises to do more than simply showcase talent. It presents audiences with a unique opportunity to witness the future of classical music in Africa and for performers to evolve into the next generation of global ambassadors for the art form. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Operetta stretches a singer's artistic range—vocally, musically, and theatrically,' explained Silver. 'Through this competition, we are nurturing young artists who understand not only the technique but the joy and storytelling of this repertoire.' The finalists will perform solo arias and duet pieces drawn from the vibrant Viennese, French, and Spanish Zarzuela operetta traditions, with themes ranging from comedic satire to romantic whimsy. What makes this event even more thrilling is that the competition will be judged live on the night, with winners announced in the following categories: Aaria Prizes: First – R10 000 | Second – R6 000 | Third – R3 000 First – R10 000 | Second – R6 000 | Third – R3 000 Duet Prize: R10 000 (shared by duet partners) R10 000 (shared by duet partners) Audience Prize: R1 000 (voted live by the audience) Importantly, the competition not only nurtures the next generation of operatic talent but also highlights Opera UCT's commitment to broadening access to high-quality musical training and performance opportunities. Through initiatives like this, Opera UCT continues to champion artistic excellence and cultural vitality in South Africa. This year's competition has an added allure for audiences, as it will serve as a sneak preview of the exciting operatic season ahead, including a production of the genre's most famous and frothy masterpiece, Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss, in celebration of the composer's 200th birthday and coinciding with World Opera Day. Don't miss this unique opportunity to cheer on Africa's operatic future and immerse yourself in the lighter side of classical music.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Il Trovatore: A Night of Opera at Cape Town City Hall
Opera lovers, rejoice! This June, the illustrious Cape Town City Hall will reverberate with the powerful melodies of Giuseppe Verdi's Il Trovatore, performed by Opera UCT alongside the renowned Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) and the enthralling CPO AfriArts Choir. Set for one unforgettable evening on 26th June, this concert represents a significant cultural event, the first staging of Il Trovatore in Cape Town in two decades, and is not to be missed by either seasoned opera aficionados or those new to the genre. Presented with the generous support of the City of Cape Town and as part of the CPO's Winter Symphonies at the City Hall season, this rare performance promises to deliver a refined and resonant interpretation of Verdi's timeless masterpiece. Under the expert direction of Opera UCT's Jeremy Silver, concert-goers will be treated to a gripping narrative of love, loyalty, and vengeance against the tumultuous backdrop of a civil war in 15th-century Spain. The story unfolds around Leonora, a noblewoman torn between her duties and her heart; Manrico, the mysterious troubadour she loves; and Count di Luna, her powerful and jealous suitor. The plot thickens as Manrico's true lineage is revealed, intertwining the threads of revenge woven by the gypsy Azucena, who seeks justice for a past wrong. This dramatic narrative, combined with soaring arias and stirring ensembles—including the iconic 'Anvil Chorus'—encapsulates Verdi's bold and emotional style. The concert will showcase a blend of exceptional talent, featuring several successful Opera UCT alumni alongside current students, all harmonising with the seasoned musicians of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Silver enthuses, 'It's incredibly exciting to have singers at Opera UCT who can truly do justice to this iconic Verdi score… Bringing Il Trovatore to the Cape Town stage has long been a dream of mine.' Louis Heyneman, CEO of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, echoes this sentiment, proudly noting the orchestra's commitment to nurturing young voices while spotlighting the AfriArts Choir, which was formed just two years ago. 'This concert will show the singers in another genre, further broadening the horizon for our talented performers,' he explains. The performance under Silver's baton will strip away the conventions of elaborate staging and costumes, leaving a dynamic musical experience rich in vocal drama and orchestral splendour. It is designed as the perfect introduction for newcomers to opera and an exhilarating revisitation for seasoned fans – a chance to see Verdi's work reinvigorated in a raw yet intimate setting. So, mark your calendars; this extraordinary evening of music and storytelling promises to resonate in the hearts of all who attend. Don't miss your opportunity to experience the passion and grandeur of Il Trovatore—an unmissable moment for South African audiences.
