Mimi Coertse’s opera company, Bel Canto Ensemble, is showcasing its Christmas concert on Tuesday November 20 at the Nelson Mandela University South Campus auditorium.
Celebrated opera diva Coertse (pictured) and costumer designer Neels Hansen had a vision for opera in SA in 1999, when Pact Opera closed its doors, and over the intervening years have made a remarkable impact in this field and on the lives of emerging opera singers.
Coertse founded the ensemble in 2012 with Jonathan Watkins. Together they aim to provide opportunities for classic and opera singers to develop their talents through performance.
The Bel Canto Ensemble also lobbies to make opera accessible to all South Africans with the aim of creating a platform for singers.
It has performed in multiple cities across SA, often collaborating with 85-year-old opera veteran Coertse.
The programme for the Port Elizabeth performance will be diverse to meet the tastes of purists and the general public alike. Guests can expect a variety of versatile arias and Christmas favourites such as The Holy City, Oh Holy Night en Somerkersfees.
Coertse will not be in Port Elizabeth but soloists performing include Loveline Madumo (soprano), Teresa de Wit (mezzo-soprano), Jonathan Watkins (countertenor), Mzwakhe Leuba (tenor) and Thabang Senekal (baritone).
They will be accompanied by Susan Swanepoel.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are only available at the door at R95 for adults, R80 for pensioners, R40 for students and R35 for pupils. For more information contact Erika Bothma on 082-308-4494.