Verdi Opera Gala in Joburg and Pretoria

This year marks the 200th birthday of this revolutionary composer whose operas have been close to opera-lovers' hearts. "For this gala we will explore the genius of Verdi's big operatic choruses, which will leave the audience inspired" said MD Arnold Cloete and artistic director Marcus Desando. "The Embassy of Italy enthusiastically endorses this important and special project," as mentioned by the Ambassador of Italy, Vincenzo Schioppa.

Traditional presentation

Verdi enthusiast can look forward to the traditional presentation of the maestro's sublime chorus works, which will range from his most popular works to the rarely performed, including highlights from the uplifting La Forza Del Destino, the magnificent I Lombardi, the moving and beautiful Don Carlo, and the powerful and stirring Aida. Also included is the very well-known Va Pensiero (Slave Chorus) from Nabucco and two overtures: the emotional-and-scintillating overture of I Vespri Sicilliani and one of the most powerful overtures in the history of opera from La Forza Del Destino.

BTE VO1SS Artists and the augmented chorus, consisting of BTE VO1SS Opera Chorus and two (other) community choirs and full orchestra, will be under the baton of Philipp Pointner, the Kapellmeister from the State Theatre of Nürnberg in Germany, who is no stranger to Pretoria as he conducted the BTE's 2011 Cavalleria Rusticana and Gianni Schicchi production.

Early Bird Tickets are R180 for Block A, R160 for Block B, R120 for Block C and Block D R100 till 4 August. There after the price will increase to Block A R350; Block B R280; Block C R220 and Block D R180. Discounts are also available for pensioners and block bookings of 10 and more from 5 August. Bookings are open at Computicket.