“Ubuntu” opera auditions this weekend
Local singers are invited to book an audition ofr a groundbreaking new opera, Ubuntu, which centre's around the life of Nelson Mandela and other struggle heroes.
SINGERS are invited to Durban auditions of the world premiere production Ubuntu, a new opera at the Durban Music School on Saturday, 20 June from 10am to 2pm.
Nationwide auditions are being held over the next three weeks for singers who wish to participate in the ground-breaking new opera that centres around the life and mission of Nelson Mandela and other struggle icons such as Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Nkosi Albert Luthuli, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Bram Fisher, Alan Paton and more.
Ubuntu has been composed and set to a libretto by the multi-talented Durban-based musician Juan Burgers, who for many years has been a key role player on South Africa’s cultural landscape.
Supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, the opera will be presented by Esayidi TVET College in collaboration with Bravo Africa Entertainment. With Burgers at the helm as its artistic director, the two-act opera will premiere at the Playhouse in Durban in November 2015.
Designed, directed and choreographed by the gifted Netherlands-based, South African-born dancer, David Krugel, Ubuntu will feature a hand-picked cast of leading South African operatic soloists and choristers, accompanied by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Lykele Temmingh.
It is essential to secure an audition slot in advance by calling 083 799 0045 between 8pm and 10pm for the audition at the Durban Music School, 14 Diakonia Avenue (St Andrews Street) on Saturday. Those wishing to audition for a place in the chorus must prepare an aria of their choice. Prospective soloists must prepare an aria by Verdi or Puccini.
Singers who are selected for the production must available to for rehearsals in Durban from the end of August 2015, through to Ubuntu’s run of performances in the Playhouse Opera theatre in November.
