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Singers form new opera company

6 Apr 2011

A group of professional opera singers have recently joined together in Pretoria to establish Sempre Opera, a non-profit organisation intending to create opportunities for professional opera singers. Lesser known operas will be performed nationwide, making opera accessible to all.

"The idea behind Sempre Opera is to regularly bring full operas to life on stages throughout South Africa," said tenor Stéfan Louw. " At the outset we will perform shorter operas with piano accompaniment on lesser known stages in Gauteng, but it will be full opera of exceptional artistic standard. The singers will not only perform on stage, but also work together to raise funds, build sets, design costumes and assist with technical aspects such as lighting."

Louw added that, when singers are not performing as soloists, they will be involved in the production by means of stage management, direction, conducting and even making up the chorus.

Extensive opera stage experience

The initial group consists of 22 singers, of which the majority have extensive opera stage experience. Two pianists will also form part of the group. The internationally acclaimed soprano Carla Pohl has joined the group in an advisory role and also serves on Sempre Opera's Artistic Management Team. "I am proud of this brave group of opera singers," she said. "In tough times, they are standing together, strong in the belief that their selfless efforts will produce top-quality opera productions."

The singers are looking forward to making the announcement of their first production. "This will happen very soon," said soprano Hanli Stapela.