The KT Wong Foundation, in its first partnership with Cape Town Opera and Camerata Tinta Barocca, have initiated a visit to Cape Town by one of the world’s leading exponents of Baroque opera, American counter-tenor Lawrence Zazzo.
On 17 February, Mr Zazzo will share the stage at Centre for the Book with two young South African sopranos, Lynelle Kenned and Brittany Smith, and the musicians of Camerata Tinta Barocca. The concert features repertoire from some of Handel’s greatest operas including Orlando, Rodelinda, Giulio Cesare and Alcina. During his visit, Mr Zazzo will give a master class, featuring six promising young South African singers (including CTO Artists Thando Zwane and Makudupanyane Senaoana), for an audience of singing students from the University of Cape Town, the Cape Town Opera Young Artist Programme, music teachers and coaches, and members of the public.
Mr Zazzo’s extensive roster of roles by Monteverdi, Handel, Gluck and 20th century composers has won him acclaim at the world’s greatest opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, La Monnaie and the Bayerische Staatsoper.
The KT Wong Foundation has a track record of supporting opera around the world with a particular focus on productions of Handel operas including Giulio Cesare and Ariodante at Glyndebourne Festival and the Festival d’Aix en Provence.

The concert will be held at the Centre for the Book, Queen Victoria street, Cape Town City Centre at 16:00 on Sunday 17 February. Tickets are R225 and can be purchased via info@capetownopera.co.za. Seating is limited and early bookings are advised.
Enquiries to the Master Class can be addressed to madrel@capetownopera.co.za.