You don’t want to miss a wonderful evening with these angels of the opera
Opera Angels are a diverse and exciting duo based in Cape Town: soprano and pianist Dr Lisa Engelbrecht and mezzo-soprano Lindsay Thomson bring their audiences not only much-loved opera classics but also their own splendid arrangements of iconic pieces through the musical ages.
A renowned musician in both South Africa and Europe. Lisa has worked extensively across the globe as a performer, accompanist and coach. She combines her busy performance career with the position of head opera coach at the prestigious University of Cape Town Opera School.
Lindsay has also worked both in South Africa and Europe as a performer with various opera companies, as well as developing her own classical shows. She met and began to work with Lisa whilst studying at the Opera School in Cape Town.
Following their debut performances upon the Queen Victoria ship, Opera Angels have been in demand across the Cape and the rest of South Africa. They create unique programmes to encompass many musical genres, whether it be an introduction to opera, an evening of cinema greats or a taste of Italy.
Two light classical concerts with contrasting programmes of light opera, operetta, musical theatre and popular song are scheduled for January 24 and 25.
Friday, January 24 4 Viva Italia!’ A joyous selection of Italian sacred and opera arias and duets from Handel to Mozart to Puccini, as well as Neapolitan songs such as O sole Mio and Torna a Surriento.
Friday night’s programme will include a little musical theatre as well as iconic contemporary songs by Josh Groban, such as The Prayer and Gira Con Me.
Saturday, January 25 ‘Belle Nuit’ A beautiful showcase of French opera arias and chansons from Bizet’s Carmen to Offenbach and Saint-Saens, including the Flower Duet from Lakme, songs by Faure and chansons by Piaf (La Vie en Rose, Les Feuilles Mortes) and Brel.
Popular songs from the silver screen will include compositions from the soundtrack of The Mission, The Piano, and more.
St Peters Anglican Church Hall in Church Street, Plett, is the place to be. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the concerts begin at 7 pm. Tickets cost R250each (free seating) and are available from Barnie Barnard at The Market Square Information Centre on 044 533 3219.
Lady Conyngham can be emailed at aconyngham@ telkomsa.net for further information. Refreshments will be served during the interval and all funds raised will benefit the St Peter’s outreach programme and Hospice Plett.