Cape Town Opera sponsors, the Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the International Music and Arts Foundation and Rand Merchant Bank have made it possible for us to travel to the Eden District this weekend, to present much needed coaching to learners participating in the annual SASCE Competition.
Cape Town Opera singers Jodie Khan, Abongile Fumba, Nkululeko Masuku and Thando Mpushe accompanied by Maestro Juan Burgers and facilitator Labane Twala, will work with High School learners in the Eden District participating in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod / ABC Motsepe Eisteddfod competition at an open workshop. Learners will be put through their paces in a dynamic vocal boot camp and work through the prescribed repertoire.
SASCE Coordinator for the Eden District, Sinovuyo Stofile says, ‘The relationship with Cape Town Opera will have a HUGE impact on the music in the entire Eden district but more so on the lives of the music loving learners in our schools. Their visit will give our learners hope that they too can end up performing at the Opera House and possibly on international stages and that they too can achieve greatness. It’s more than just musical workshops, it’s an encounter that is life changing, especially as most of them come from poor communities. Too often our district is neglected due to distance, but Cape Town Opera shows that we too are important enough to be developed and that distance should never be a factor.’
The open workshops will be held on 20 and 21 April in the Imizamo Yethu High School Hall in Thembalethu, George.