Juan Burgers

SA’s struggle for democracy celebrated in a new African opera

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Khumbuzile Dlamini as Winnnie Mandela in 'Ubuntu - The Opera' (pic Val Adamson)

Khumbuzile Dlamini as Winnnie Mandela in ‘Ubuntu – The Opera’. Photo: Val Adamson

Review: Ubuntu – The Opera; Playhouse Opera Theatre, Durban

 AN opera which celebrates the life and achievements of former President, Nelson Mandela, is not a new concept.

I was privileged to see Mandela Trilogy, Cape Town Opera’s musical tribute to Madiba’s extraordinary life when the production toured to the Playhouse a few years ago. And then there was the ill-fated Madiba: The African Opera, which was forced to close after three days at the State Theatre in Pretoria when it ran out of money to pay performers.

Ubuntu – The Opera, featuring a libretto and music composed by Juan Burgers, provides another look at the iconic statesman’s life, but this time also shines a spotlight on his relationship with Winnie Mandela and how their participation in the liberation struggle impacted that relationship. Continue reading →

Don’t miss the world premiere of Ubuntu- The Opera at the Playhouse

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Ubuntu - The Opera

Ubuntu – The Opera

Durban’s Playhouse Opera Theatre will be the scene of a major landmark on the South African arts calendar with the world premiere season of Ubuntu – The Opera by Juan Burgers.

Funded by the National Lotteries Commission, the new work is presented by Bravo Africa Entertainment in collaboration with Esayidi FET College. With Raphael Vilakazi as its executive producer, the production will have five performances in the Playhouse Opera Theatre between November 17 and 22. Continue reading →

Rehearsals for Ubuntu, a new South African opera, are underway

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UBUNTU composer Juan Burgers (centre) with choristers from left, Nana Mkhize, Nature Khuzwayo, Colleen Smit, Nqobile Khuzwayo, Nqobile Mathaba & Bright Magwaza (pic Val Adamson)

UBUNTU composer Juan Burgers (centre) with choristers from left, Nana Mkhize, Nature Khuzwayo, Colleen Smit, Nqobile Khuzwayo, Nqobile Mathaba & Bright Magwaza. Photo: Val Adamson

Chorus rehearsals are underway at the Durban Music School for the world premiere of Ubuntu – The Opera by Juan Burgers. Funded by the National Lotteries Commission and presented under the auspices of Esayidi FET College in collaboration with Bravo Africa Entertainment, the production will be performed in the Playhouse Opera Theatre between November 17 and 22. Continue reading →

Juan Burgers’ ‘Ubuntu – The Opera’ to premiere in November

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Juan Burgers

Juan Burgers

Music-lovers can look forward to the world premiere of a major new South African composition, to be unveiled on the Playhouse Opera stage in November. Entitled Ubuntu – The Opera, the work is the magnum opus of Durban-based musician and composer, Juan Burgers, who for many years has played a leading role in this country’s classical music environment.

Continue reading →