CTO’s 2017 season launches with an explosive meeting of South Africa’s foremost young singers directed by a veteran theatrical innovator. It includes a major new international musical and brings acclaimed international singers to the stage for the third in the Naspers Grand Masters series.
RIGOLETTO
Visionary director Marthinus Basson launches CTO’s 2017 season with an unflinching new staging of Verdi’s dark melodrama. Metropolitan Opera regular Fikile Mvinjelwa returns to Cape Town to play the hunchbacked jester, with Belvedere Singing Competition finalists Noluvuyiso Mpofu and Lukhanyo Moyake making their role debuts as his daughter Gilda and the licentious Duke of Mantua. Under the masterful baton of Maestro Kamal Khan, Rigoletto promises to thrill and chill in equal measure.
This production is not suitable for under 16’s.
Feb 11.14.16.18
TIGER BAY
CTO proudly continues its partnership with the Wales Millennium Centre by hosting the world debut of the musical Tiger Bay, before it transfers to the UK in late 2017.
Tiger Bay is an epic new musical set in the docks of Cardiff at a time when coal was king. Filled with rousing music and a cast of unforgettable characters, Tiger Bay is a universal story of courage, reconciliation and love. With Olivier- and Tony-Award-nominated director Melly Still leading an outstanding international creative team, this short run offers a rare opportunity to be the first to see a major new international musical.
A Wales Millennium Centre production in association with Cape Town Opera
May 20.22.23 (preview)
24.25.26.27
DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER
The myth of the cursed sea captain and his ghostly ship comes home to the Cape of Good Hope, in a spectacular new production in the Naspers Grand Masters series. CTO Associate Music Director Tim Murray leads the CPO through the tempestuous straits of Wagner’s elemental score, while Matthew Wild’s new production unleashes the ghosts of Dutch colonialism in the modern Mother City.
Acclaimed Swedish soprano Elisabet Strid (a memorable Rusalka in Cape Town in 2006) stars as Senta, with South African baritone Jaco Venter returning from Wagnerian triumphs in Germany to make his role debut as the Dutchman.
Aug. 17. 19.23. 26
THE MAGIC FLUTE
With an enchanting blend of visual wizardry and whimsical comedy, Matthew Wild’s dream-like staging in Michael Mitchell’s poetic designs gives new expression to Mozart’s fable about the power of music. Protected by the magic of their enchanted flute, Tamino and Pamina discover that only music can lead them “through death’s dark night”. A young cast of outstanding singers from CTO and the University of Cape Town Opera School usher in summer with Mozart’s most joyful and uplifting masterpiece.
Nov: 23 25.
Dec 5 7 9 10
GRACE NOTES
The Cape Town Opera Chorus
Following its acclaimed premiere in France in 2016, this unique concert of a cappella sacred music, curated by Thuthuka Sibisi, will be heard in Cape Town for the first time. Juxtaposing ancient and modern music from Europe and Africa, Grace Notes intersperses sacred compositions by Byrd, Palestrina, Duruflé and Pärt with religious music drawn from Xhosa, Venda, Zulu and Swahili traditions. A moving reflection on the yearning to express spirituality through music, Grace Notes uncovers lines of connection across continents and centuries.
Venue and date to be announced.
2017 Season Ticket
Give the gift of opera
A 2017 Season Ticket makes an ideal gift for an opera loving friend or family member.
Season Ticket holders enjoy priority booking to all local productions: Rigoletto, Tiger Bay, Der fliegende Holländer, The Magic Flute and Grace Notes, plus special events, such as pre-opera talks.
R1400 or R950 (Under 30’s)
To buy your 2017 Season Ticket, please email: info@capetownopera.co.za