Internationally-acclaimed tenor returns to his Knysna roots this weekend
Xolane Marman is a Knysna native currently residing in Cape Town – that is when he’s not travelling the globe in pursuit of operatic endeavours.
A postgraduate University of Cape Town opera student, vocalist, and part-time stage director, he is developing his Operatunity brand for young classical musicians in need of performance platforms or technique training while learning about the industry.
“This field of music has given me great opportunities to travel overseas and work with highly-acclaimed singers and stage directors,” says Xolane, who has recently returned
from an internship programme at the NationaUheuter Mannheim in Germany.
“I would like to share my international experience with youngsters in my hometown who may be considering a career in opera or classical music.
“I have been invited by the folk at KILT (Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching) to host a music workshop on Friday, August 10. Luckily, friends of mine currently working in Germany, Austria and America are committed to co-hosting the event, and have agreed to fly down and assist in this venture,” Xolane enthuses.
The opera stars will travel from school to school on Friday, starting off at 10 am at Percy Mdala High, followed by workshops at Concordia High (11 am), Chris Nissen at noon, and Fraaisig Hoerskool at 1 pm.
More good news for local music aficionados is that the workshop will be followed by an operatic feast at the Knysna Dutch Reformed Church Hall on August 11 at 6 pm, featuring mezzo-soprano Bongiwe Nakani, baritone Luthando Qave, Xolane’s fellow tenor Khanyiso Gwenxane, and soprano Charlotte Mhlongo, accompanied by pianist Samantha Riedel.
Tickets are available through Quicket at R150 for adults or R80 for pensioners and scholars. And two lucky CXPRESS read-in; can win comps to An Evening of Opera on Saturday – email operatunity.music@gmail.com or call 071 701 8785 to enter.
‘We bring you the latest Knysna | Garden Route News’