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Opera magic to honour Madiba
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will join the world in wishing Madiba many happy returns during the Nelson Mandela Birthday Celebration Concert at Pretoria’s State Theatre on Friday, July 16, 2010.
The birthday gala concert, which is being held in honour of Tata Mandela’s 92nd birthday, also marks the launch of new opera company Opera South Africa. This new ensemble, which aims to develop operatic and choral music in South Africa, is helmed by two of Madiba’s relatives – CEO Unathi Mtirara and patron Inkosi Mandla Mandela.
In addition to the JPO, the occasion will feature the dulcet tones of beloved South African mezzo soprano Sibongile Khumalo as well as award-winning opera export Fikile Mvinjelwa, who is currently the principal baritone with the New York Metropolitan Opera.
Other vocal talents taking part in the concert are Kaiser Nkosi, Given Nkosi, Thembisile Twala, Nonhlanhla Yende, Kananelo Sehau and Bronwen Forbay. The State Theatre Opera will also resonate with a further 92 stirring voices, courtesy of the Opera South Africa Chorus and the Gauteng Choristers.
Maestro Kamal Khan will wield the baton, and audiences can expect a programme featuring a mix of works by local and international composers, and a selection of arias, duets, trios, quartets, ensembles and choruses from famous operas – all in honour of our most famous citizen.
The Opera South Africa concert, presented in association with the South African State Theatre, Casta Diva and ClassicFeel Magazine, starts at 8pm. Tickets range in price from R80 to R180 and are available at Computicket.
