It has been confirmed that the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Cape Town Opera (CPO) will host the world’s most prestigious competition, “Operalia,” at Artscape Theatre Centre.
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A statement by Artscape reads, “The CPO is delighted to host the competition and was chosen by Operalia because of its excellent international reputation, including Cape Town Opera and Artscape, who will partner with the CPO in this venture.”
The World Opera Competition Placido Domingo will be held in Africa for the first time at the Cape Town Opera, Artscape.
“Operalia” will run from 30 October to 5 November 2023. The first rounds and semi-finals, with some 40 singers accompanied on the piano, will be open to the public at a minimal cost, and the final round, on November 5, will be with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, for which tickets will go on sale later.
This is a welcome development: “This is a major achievement for Cape Town and the CPO,” said Derek Auret, chairman of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. “In a time when the arts in Cape Town are recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic, the world recognises that Cape Town and its renowned CPO can compete successfully with the important international cultural centres.”
This is an exciting opportunity for local opera artists. “Opera is the genre that transcends culture and background, and this competition on African soil with an African orchestra will open doors to all young opera singers, irrespective of their circumstances,” says Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux.
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Picture: Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra / Facebook