Winnie Mandela

Opera stars, Sibongile Mngoma and Sandile Mabaso, to delight audiences in Joburg

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Sibongile Mngoma

Sibongile Mngoma.

TWO of the shining lights of the South African opera scene – Sibongile Mngoma (soprano) and Sandile Mabaso (tenor) –  will be performing in the main hall of the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, at 7 pm on July 28.

The duo will be performing arias and duets from the world’s most beautiful operas. Sigongile will be singing arias from Puccini’s La Boheme and Tosca and Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutti; while Sandile will be singing from Massenet’s Manon and Donizetti’s L’elisir d’Amour. They will be accompanied by Marten van Wyk on piano.

Tickets for the Opera Duo concert are R120 (concessions R80) at http://www.webtickets.co.za. Proceeds from this concert will be used to upgrade the music department. Continue reading →

SAFTAS: all the winners

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saftas2

Safta hosts Minnie Dlamini and Katlego Maboe.

THE much lauded Afrikaans feature film, Dis, Ek Anna, took home thee Golden Horns at the 10th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) at the Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg at the weekend.

Dis Ek, Anna was named best feature film. It’s director Sara Blecher won best achievement in directing and Marius Weyers was named best supporting actor. Continue reading →

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 →