Opera aficionados and classical music lovers may revel in knowing that one of the world’s leading bel canto tenors, Levy Sekgapane, will be returning to the Mother City next month.
After claiming first prize at several international singing competitions since the start of his career, including the Belvedere and Monserrat Caballé in 2015 and Placido Domingo’s Operalia in 2017, Sekgapane took to some of the world’s greatest stages and has become a permanent feature on the world stage.
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Together with Pretty Yende, the 32-year-old is the only other South African to have won Operalia and was recently awarded hosting rights along with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Cape Town Opera for this year’s competition.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary edition, the event is set to be held in Africa for the first time and will take place at none other than the Artscape Theatre Centre from 30 October to 5 November later this year.
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Alongside an all-star cast, the young icon will make his debut as ‘Nadir’ in Cape Town Opera’s highly anticipated The Pearl Fishers at the Artscape from 10 to 14 May.
‘This is a role I’ve been waiting for almost all my career. The Pearl Fishers is one of the well-known French romantic operas – the orchestration is very big and there are amazing duets, arias and trios. I’m looking very forward to it,’ says Sekgapane.
The semi-staged production of George Bizet’s masterful French opera returns two years after the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the first full run of the production.
The Pearl Fishers, directed by Elisabeth Manduell with Matthew Wild’s original concept enhanced by a series of vivid artworks by celebrated artist, Shakil Solanki.
Presented by the Cape Town Opera, the production will also feature soloists Lukhanyo Moyake, Conroy Scott, Brittany Smith and Reuben Mbonambi.
The Cape Town Opera Chorus will be directed by Chorus Master Marvin Kernelle, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Adam Szmidt.
The audience can expect to be captivated by stirring music and a heart-wrenching story of the rivalry between two men in their love for the same woman.
A lifelong friendship is tested when the fishermen Zurga and Nadir both fall in love with the beautiful priestess, Leïla, who in turn finds herself torn between her sacred oath and secular love.
Details:
- Dates: 10 to 14 May
- Location: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore
- Tickets: R112 to R600 | Computicket
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Picture: Cape Town Central City Improvement District / Facebook