Thank you to Our sponsors
bringing Opera to you
Opera in Your Neighbourhood was launched as part of Cape Town Opera’s commitment to bringing world-class vocal performance directly into the heart of Cape Town’s communities. Recognising that many residents face structural, financial or geographic barriers to accessing formal theatre spaces, the initiative was designed to reverse the journey: instead of audiences travelling to the opera house, Cape Town Opera brings opera to them — free of charge.
Since the first concert at the Rocklands Civic Centre in Mitchell’s Plain in 2022, the programme has expanded into a regular fixture of Cape Town Opera’s annual calendar. Performed by the Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble, these concerts take place in community halls, libraries and multi-purpose centres across the city, offering high-quality, live music-making in settings that are familiar, accessible and welcoming. The repertoire is deliberately broad — spanning opera favourites, musical theatre, contemporary works and African spirituals — ensuring that each performance speaks to audiences of different ages, tastes and musical backgrounds.
Over time, Opera in Your Neighbourhood has become far more than a concert series. It has grown into a platform for connection, cultural exchange and civic pride, strengthening relationships between Cape Town Opera and the communities it serves. By offering free performances and engaging directly with neighbourhoods across the metro, the programme has opened the door for thousands of first-time operagoers and contributed to a growing culture of inclusivity within the arts. Today, Opera in Your Neighbourhood stands as a cornerstone of Cape Town Opera’s broader mission: to make opera part of everyday life and to ensure that world-class music is available to everyone, everywhere.
Our Vocal Ensemble
Never ones to fade into the background, the Cape Town Opera Chorus is equally impressive! One of the most compelling and varied vocal ensembles in the world and winner of Chorus of the Year at the 2013 International Opera Awards, they perform an extensive repertoire in various genres, from opera and traditional hymns to jazz and spirituals. Known for their versatility and vibrant singing, the Chorus maintains a busy schedule, performing on stages around the globe.
CTO’s chorus regularly receive spontaneous accolades and these include from Placido Domingo (when he heard them perform in Madrid in 2015 in Porgy and Bess), the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and artist William Kentridge. They also receive high praise from guest conductors and directors visiting South Africa to collaborate in the staging of Cape Town Opera productions.
The chorus maintains a busy schedule, performing in Cape Town Opera’s local operas and concerts as well as in the company’s acclaimed international touring productions. These include Porgy and Bess, Mandela Trilogy, African Angels, African Passion, and Grace Notes. These productions have enjoyed repeat performances in Holland, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, The Netherlands, Wales, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, the UK, Argentina, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
