Saturday 29 March 2014

Urban Brandy Cocktail Route launches in Johannesburg - #DKEXP, URBAN BRANDY COCKTAIL LAUNCHES IN JOHANNESBURG URBAN BRANDY COCKTAIL ROUTE Proudly announcing its expansion into the vibrant heart of….. - http://i0.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Radisson-Blu-Gautrain-Cocktails-by-the-Pool.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024 - #UBCR, Christelle Reade-Jahn, Circle Bar, DKEXP, Fire and Ice, Hush, Johannesburg, KONG, Lifestyle, SA Brandy Foundation, The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, The Radisson Blu, Urban Brandy Cocktail Route - DK EXPRESSIONS™

URBAN BRANDY COCKTAIL ROUTE LAUNCHES IN JOHANNESBURG


 


URBAN BRANDY COCKTAIL ROUTE URBAN BRANDY COCKTAIL ROUTE


Proudly announcing its expansion into the vibrant heart of Johannesburg, the Urban Brandy Cocktail Route (UBCR) continues to show remarkable popularity, giving rise to a passionate contingent of cocktail lovers whose growing support reflects an ever-growing appreciation for SA’s world-class brandies.


 


The formation of this popular urban route, defined as the ‘ultimate cocktail route’, and essentially a modern urban extension of the R62 and Western Cape Brandy Routes, speaks volumes of the evolution of brandy. As the quintessential experience-based initiative, the route celebrates the sunshine spirit’s rise from its more traditional role to its emergence as a sophisticated, modern spirit of unrivaled quality and versatility and places this iconic local elixir where it truly belongs – firmly in the spotlight.


Park Inn Bar Park Inn Bar


 


Launched in Cape Town in March 2013 with an initial listing of 5 city-based hotspots, the route later expanded to include venues located in farther flung reaches of the Mother City, including popular tourist hubs Hout Bay and Blouberg.  New routes have also recently been established in Durban, and now Johannesburg, SA’s suave cocktail capital, launches a route of its own. 


 


Encompassing a wide variety of popular restaurants, bars and night-time hotspots, as well as major luxury hotel groups, the UBCR is now set to take Jo’burg locals on the taste adventure of a lifetime!


 All venues feature a specially constructed menu of delectable cocktails, each with a premium SA brandy at its base.


 


Fire & Ice- Bar Fire & Ice- Bar


UBCR venues, KONG, Hush and Circle Bar at the Crown Plaza, make up Rosebank’s leading lounge and party venues – all catering to an elite, sexy and sophisticated crowd.  Each venue is a stone’s s throw away from the next, allowing party- goers to enjoy a selection of bespoke VIP brandy cocktails and dance the night away whilst rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of Johannesburg.


 


The northern suburbs’ number one address, Melrose Arch, is a one- of- a- kind shopping precinct and social hub, offering consumers a ‘CBD-esque’ experience within the parameters of a gated community. African Pride Melrose Arch, strategically situated on the lively Piazzo Square, and the Protea Hotel Fire and Ice, with its ‘Alice in Wonderland meets rock ‘n roll’ theme, were obvious venue choices for the Johannesburg UBCR.


 


The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, with hospitality venues right at the pulse-point of the bustling Sandton business district, makes up the final venues on the UBCR, ensuring a second to none list of route destinations.


The Radisson Blu Sandton and Radisson Blu Gautrain hotel’s are both the perfect jet-setters paradise whilst the Park Inn by Radisson beckons with its sleek contemporary environment offering an oasis of calm amidst the bustling city chaos.


 


Radisson Blu Gautrain Cocktails by the Pool Radisson Blu Gautrain Cocktails by the Pool


 


These venues ensure Sandton’s elite businessmen and women are able to beat the Highveld heat with a refreshing brandy cocktail after a busy day’s work.


 


Christelle Reade-Jahn of the SA Brandy Foundation says, “The popularity of the UBCR continues to delight us!  What’s more, the route has also inspired mixologists to delight a whole new generation of consumers, using modern techniques and unique and refreshing flavour combinations. Cocktail lovers are now viewing and experiencing quality SA brandy in a whole new light!”


 


Welcome to the UBCR Joburg! Cheers!


 


Cocktail lovers are invited to join the Urban Brandy Cocktail Route Facebook page and follow exciting new developments on Twitter.


https://www.facebook.com/urbanbrandy


https://twitter.com/UrbanBrandy


 Issued by:


Paul Reynell


Paddington Station PR


paul@paddingtonstationpr.co.za


(021) 486 2500


 


On behalf of:


Christelle Reade-Jahn


SA Brandy Foundation


www.sabrandy.co.za


(021) 882 8954


PUBLISHED BY DK EXPRESSIONS


 



Urban Brandy Cocktail Route launches in Johannesburg - http://i0.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Radisson-Blu-Gautrain-Cocktails-by-the-Pool.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024 - DK EXPRESSIONS™ -

Friday 28 March 2014

BACARDI LEGACY 2014 COCKTAIL COMPETITION

Thursday 27 March 2014

JOSS STONE SUPPORTED BY THE MUFFINZ - #DKEXP, JOSS STONE SUPPORTED BY THE MUFFINZ JOSS STONE SUPPORTED BY THE MUFFINZ Big Concerts is proud to announce that Johannesburg eclectic soul… - http://i1.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/The-Muffinz-Live_286.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024 - #Computicket, #Music, Big Concerts, Carnival City, DKEXP, Johannesburg, Joss Stone, The Publicity Workshop, TheMuffinz - DK EXPRESSIONS™

JOSS STONE SUPPORTED BY THE MUFFINZ


JOSS STONE JOSS STONE


Big Concerts is proud to announce that Johannesburg eclectic soul group The Muffinz will open for Joss Stone when she performs live in Johannesburg on 2nd April at the Big Top Arena, Carnival City. Tickets on sale now from www.bigconcerts.co.za and Computicket.


The Muffinz Live_286 The Muffinz Live_286


 


The Muffinz began in 2010 when Mthae, Simz and Atomza met while singing in the University of Johannesburg choir. They decided to call themselves The Muffinz explains Mthae: ‘We wanted a name that would be remembered, something catchy but a name that people would want to find out more about”.


In 2011, The Muffinz won the Paco Rabanne talent competition and achieved further success in 2012 as they picked up numerous accolades including the Standard Bank Ovation Award, the Feather Award (Musician of the Year), the Arts and Culture Trust Award (Music and Singing) and a Metro FM Award (Best Group). 2012 also saw The Muffinz nominated for 4 SAMA Awards (Best Newcomer, Best Group Album, Best RnB/Reggae/Soul Album and Album of the Year).


 


Joss Stone rose to fame in 2003 with her multi-platinum debut album, ‘The Soul Sessions’, which made the 2004 Mercury Prize shortlist. Her second album, the similarly multi-platinum ‘’Mind, Body and Soul’ topped the UK Albums Chart for one week and spawned the top ten hit “You Had Me”, Stone’s most successful single on the UK Singles chart to date. Both the album and single received one nomination at the 2005 Grammy Awards while Stone herself was nominated for Best New Artist and she became the youngest British female singer whose debut album topped the UK Albums Chart. Her third album, Introducing Joss Stone (2007), achieved gold record status by the end yielded the second-ever highest debut for a British female solo artist on the Billboard 200. Stone released her fourth album, ‘Colour Me Free!’ (2009), which reached the Top 10 on Billboard. Stone released her fifth album, LP1, (2011), which reached the Top 10 on Billboard.


 


Joss Stone has sold over 14 million albums worldwide and has earned numerous awards and accolades, including two Brit Awards and one Grammy Award out of five nominations.


 


Don’t miss your chance to catch this soul superstar one night only live in South Africa. Another Big Concerts Experience.


 


www.josstone.com


 


Tour Itinerary


 


Johannesburg


Wednesday 2nd April 2014


Big Top Arena, Carnival City


Price: R300 – R680


 


Tickets are on sale now from bigconcerts.co.za and Computicket


 


CONTACTS


Dionne Domyan (Johannesburg, and National publicity)


+27 (0) 833261776prwork@iafrica.com


 


 


PUBLISHED BY DK EXPRESSIONS


 



JOSS STONE SUPPORTED BY THE MUFFINZ - http://i1.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/The-Muffinz-Live_286.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024 - DK EXPRESSIONS™ -

UB40 GIVING FANS MORE THAN JUST MUSIC - #DKEXP, DSTV PRESENTS THE UB40 SA TOUR FT. ALI CAMPBELL, GIVING FANS MORE THAN JUST MUSIC JOHANNESBURG VIP TICKETS SOLD OUT HEART 104.9 FM….. - http://i1.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/UB40-COVER.png?fit=1024%2C1024 - #DStvUB40, #FRESHLYGROUND, #Music, #one-eyedjack, #UB40SA, Ali Campbell, Astro, Cape Town, DKEXP, Emmarentia Dam, HEART 104.9 FM, HOT WATER, Johannesburg, Kaya FM, MANGO GROOVE, Michael Lowman, Mickey, TRENTON & FREE RADICAL, Val De Vie Estate - DK EXPRESSIONS™

DSTV PRESENTS THE UB40 SA TOUR FT. ALI CAMPBELL, GIVING FANS MORE THAN JUST MUSIC


 



 


JOHANNESBURG VIP TICKETS SOLD OUT


 


HEART 104.9 FM AND KAYA FM TO GIVEAWAY A SIGNED UB40 GUITAR TO THEIR BIGGEST UB40 FAN 


 


With just over a week to go until UB40, featuring the original voice of Ali Campbell, perform live in Cape Town and Johannesburg, concert goers have been warming up their vocal chords to sing along to the hit songs of the legendary group. VIP tickets in Johannesburg have officially sold out and only a few of Cape Town’s VIP tickets are left.  


 


The two shows will be hosted by popular personalities from radio media partners Heart 104.9 FM in Cape Town and Kaya FM 95.9 in Johannesburg, bringing their beat and flavour to the shows for fans to enjoy. Heart 104.9 FM will also be doing an outside broadcast at Val De Vie Estate, connecting fans directly to the concert experience. Not only will they have loads of great giveaways at the events, Heart 104.9 FM and Kaya FM 95.9 will also be giving away a signed limited edition UB40 guitar on air over the next week to one lucky fan from each city. Tune in to Heart 104.9 FM in Cape Town and Kaya FM 95.9 in Johannesburg to hear how you can stand a chance of winning this outstanding prize, along with tickets to the concert.


 


The beautiful settings of Val De Vie Estate in Paarl and Emmarentia Dam in Joburg will be the perfect backdrops for what promises to be fun-filled concert experiences for the family. Both shows will feature a special appearance from the iconic Mango Groove along with Hot Water and Trenton & Free Radical in Cape Town, and Freshlyground and Michael Lowman in Joburg. Ali Campbell, the original voice of UB40, along with Astro and Mickey, will perform hit songs like ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Kingston Town” and ‘I Got You, Babe’, which have made them a household name across the globe.


 


Get your tickets now to one of the most talked about tours to hit South Africa in 2014 and be a part of UB40’s world tour.


 


Please note: Picnic baskets with food and snacks are allowed into the venues but absolutely no liquids or drinks whatsoever.


 


CAPE TOWN LINE-UP:


UB40 ft Ali Campbell, Mango Groove, Hot WaterTrenton & the Free Radical


 


JOHANNESBURG LINE-UP:


UB40 ft Ali Campbell, Mango GrooveFreshlyground, Michael Lowman


 


Gates open: 15h30 in Cape Town and at 11h30 in Joburg


Concert starts: 17h45 in Cape Town and 12h00 in Joburg


Concert ends: 23h00 in Cape Town and 18h00 in Joburg


Duration: 07hours 30 mins in Cape Town and 06 hours 30 mins in Joburg


 


Tickets:  General Admission: R395 VIP: R1495


 


Friday 4 April


Cape Town: http://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=409563846


Saturday 5 April


Johannesburg: http://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=409563887


 


Follow UB40 SA Tour on Facebook for further announcements, and listen out to Heart 104.9 FM and Kaya FM 95.9. Keep an eye on their social pages and website for more information on the events.


 


#UB40SA


#DStvUB40


 


Media Partner


 


 


 


Radio Partner (Cape Town)


Description: C:\Users\Andre\Desktop\LOGO BLK ON WHT.JPG


Radio Partner (Johannesburg)



 


 


LINKS


 


https://www.facebook.com/UB40TourSouthAfrica


https://www.youtube.com/weareseed1


https://twitter.com/SeedExperiences 


 


http://www.1049.fm/


http://www.facebook.com/Heart104.9FM


http://www.youtube.com/user/HeartFM1049


https://twitter.com/Heart1049FM


 


UB40 links:


http://ub40.org/


https://www.facebook.com/WeAreUB40


https://twitter.com/WeAreUB40


 


 


ISSUED ON BEHALF OF SEED EXPERIENCES AND DSTV BY ONE-EYED JACK


PUBLISHED BY DK EXPRESSIONS


 


FOR MORE INFORMATION, 


PLEASE CONTACT MIKE POCOCK ON:


Email: mike@one-eyedjack.co.za |


Mobile +27 82 294 0946 | Office: +27 21 426 5923


 


 


 


About MultiChoice


MultiChoice started as the subscriber management arm of M-Net. Today it is the leading multi-channel digital satellite television operator across the African continent. Its dynamic technology platform and varied bouquets of channels, built on a foundation of compelling premium entertainment, has seen MultiChoice grow its business to 3.7 million subscribers across South Africa.


MultiChoice provides its DStv services to different market segments. The DStv bouquets cater for different lifestyles and pockets, from entry level to Premium. DStv is also available as a niche service for the Indian and Portuguese communities. M-Net and SuperSport are part of the MultiChoice stable, which delivers premium channels and content to a growing number of subscribers. DStv Media Sales, DStv Mobile, MWEB, DStv Online, CommerceZone, SmartVillage and NMSCom also form part of the group.


MultiChoice is one of the outstanding examples of a pioneering South African company, owned by Naspers, an international player providing entertainment, technology and e-commerce services. MultiChoice’s involvement in South Africa goes beyond its core business. Through its corporate social investment, the company actively participates in social transformation and through technology, enables individuals and communities to help themselves ultimately leading to growth of the economy of the country.


About Heart 104.9FM


HEART 104.9FM – We are Cape Town’s Beat – One of the Western Cape’s top commercial radio stations Heart 104.9FM – a trusted member of the community, a thought leader; an all-round entertainer that’s in touch with the values Capetonians hold most dear. Each day, we enjoy the rewards of a fiercely loyal, highly interactive relationship with a fan base well over half a million strong. Heart’s music will entertain you throughout the day with a carefully placed mix of old and new music to inspire you, energise you, and touch your heart at exactly the right times! Weekends are filled with Top 30 hits, late night party favourites and on Sundays we wind down with old school classics.


 


HEART 104.9FM – Our brand – Integrity and authenticity define everything we do. Our audience would accept nothing less. We are the expression of a culture that is the core of Cape Town: community-centered, socially aware, and committed to enjoying life to the full. Heart 104.9FM is the polished, professional platform; the ultimate showcase for the best examples of the city’s true values.


 


About Kaya FM


 


KAYA FM reflects the lives of the predominantly black, urban listener between the ages 25 – 49 living in Gauteng. The station broadcasts both music and talk.  KAYA FM 95.9 broadcasts in English on the FM frequency signal 95 (Dot) 9, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The current listenership stands at 561,000 per average day and 1,353,000 per average 7 days. The music format offers a diverse and soulful mix of adult contemporary music to smoother sounds like R&B, World Music and Soul and Jazz.


 


About Seed Experiences


Seed Experiences is the award-winning agency behind South Africa’s top festivals such as Rocking the Daisies, Sowing the Seeds, Vodacom In the City, We Are One Colour Festival, Bastille SA Tour and Olmeca present Mad Decent Block Party.  The company also produces 5Gum’s exclusive events as well as the digital industry’s Bookmarks Awards; and will be hosting the Vic Falls Carnival in Zimbabwe last New Year’s Eve.


Accolades include: Winner – Climate Change Leadership Award in the Small to Medium Business Category (2009 and 2010); Winner – Eco-Logic Award for Climate Change (2011); Finalist – Eco-Logic Award in Transport (2011); Finalist – Mail and Guardian Future Greening Awards (2012); Finalist in the Bookmarks Awards (2012); Best Social Media Campaign – Bookmark Awards (2013), nominated in the ‘Best Music Festival’ category for the MK Awards (2012 and 2013); awarded the Highly Commended A Greener Festival Award (2012 and 2013); Winner – Eco-logic Awards in Transport (2012) and Winner – Eco-logic Awards in Recycling (2012).  



UB40 GIVING FANS MORE THAN JUST MUSIC - http://i1.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/UB40-COVER.png?fit=1024%2C1024 - DK EXPRESSIONS™ -

Wednesday 26 March 2014

2014 BATTLE OF THE GIANTS ALL STYLES DANCE FESTIVAL AT SUN CITY - #DKEXP, 2014 BATTLE OF THE GIANTS ALL STYLES DANCE FESTIVAL AT SUN CITY Celebrate the rhythm of dance. Sun City Friday 11 April to Sunday 13 April - http://i0.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Battle-of-the-Giants-Sun-City-27th-April-2013-89.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024 - #Computicket, Ballroom, Battle of the Giants, Bev Wood, Breakdance, Craig Bullock, David Jones, Diana Moore, Disco Dance, Electric Boogie, Freestyle, Hip Hop, International Dance Organization, Jazz, Kalon Badenhorst, Kirsten Dan Jensen, Latin, Pacou Mutombo, Rudi Smit, Showdance, Slowdance, Street Dance Show, Sun City, Sun City Superbowl - DK EXPRESSIONS™

2014


BATTLE OF THE GIANTS ALL


STYLES DANCE FESTIVAL


AT SUN CITY


Battle of the Giants - Sun City - 27th April 2013 (89)


 


2014 BATTLE OF THE GIANTS ALL STYLES DANCE FESTIVAL AT SUN CITY


Celebrate the rhythm of dance


 


EVENT             25th Battle of the Giants All Styles Dance Festival


DATES             Friday 11 April to Sunday 13 April 2014


TIMES              From 07h00, dancing starts at 09h00 daily.


                        Grand Final at 19h00 on Saturday 12 April 2014


VENUE                        Sun City Superbowl


TICKETS          Booking at Computicket. Tickets from R75 daily, R80 each for Saturday night, discounts are available for children.


 


Let the energy and rhythm of dance captivate you at South Africa’s premier dance event, the 25th Battle of the Giants All Styles Dance Festival between Friday 11 April and Sunday 13 April at


Sun International’s Sun City Resort.


 




Under the aegis of the South African Dance Teachers Association Stage Branch, the event presents a kaleidoscope of dance forms attracting amateur, championship and professional dance entrants from around the country.


 


Dancers will compete in Freestyle, Slowdance, Ballroom and Latin, Hip Hop, Showdance, Street Dance Show, Disco Dance, Jazz, Breakdance and Electric Boogie. The Stage branch has opened a para category for disabled competitors as well.


 


The audience can expect to see a visual feast of colourful, glamorous costumes, dramatic make-up and the dynamism, passion and energy of dance, coupled with expert choreography and dancing.


 


The high calibre judging panel reflects the importance of the Battle of the Giants on the dance calendar. Judging this year’s contest are Kirsten Dan Jensen from Denmark  who serves on the Presidium of the International Dance Organization, along with a leading panel of South African judges including David Jones, Rudi Smit, Diana Moore, Pacou Mutombo and Craig Bullock to name a few.


 


The Festival is also a springboard for talented entrants who go on to achieve even greater recognition. The current World Freestyle and Slowdance Champion Kalon Badenhorst is one such example.


 


According to Bev Wood of the South African Dance Teachers Association Stage Branch, “We encourage each and every participant to reach their goals and strive to reach new heights in their dancing achievements. I know that the dancers will create another spectacular and successful Battle of the Giants and at the same time, climb the ranks of World dancing.”


 


Each day of the Festival dancing will begin at 9am. Tickets are available from Computicket at R75 per person per day, and R80 for the Grand Final on Saturday evening


Discounts are available for children under 12.


 


For more information about Sun City’s special accommodation packages contact Dreams on (011) 217 5555, or E-mail 


dreams@suninternational.com or log into


www.suninternationaldreams.com.


For further information on Battle of the Giants contact Bev Wood on 083 282 7734bevwood@vodamail.co.za.


PUBLISHED BY DK EXPRESSIONS



2014 BATTLE OF THE GIANTS ALL STYLES DANCE FESTIVAL AT SUN CITY - http://i0.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Battle-of-the-Giants-Sun-City-27th-April-2013-89.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024 - DK EXPRESSIONS™ -

GHOEMA AFRIKAANS MUSIC AWARDS 2014 AT CARNIVAL CITY - #DKEXP, GHOEMA AFRIKAANS MUSIC AWARDS 2014 AT CARNIVAL CITY GHOEMA AFRIKAANS MUSIC AWARDS 2014 AT CARNIVAL CITY DATE Sunday 13 April 201 … - http://i2.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ghoema_awards__large.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024 - #Computicket, Burgert Botha, Carnival City, Corlea Botha, DKEXP, Elvis Blue, GHOEMA AFRIKAANS, Jay, Joe Foster, Joshua na die Reen, Kurt Darren, kykNET, Riana Nel - DK EXPRESSIONS™

GHOEMA AFRIKAANS


MUSIC AWARDS


2014


AT CARNIVAL CITY


ghoema_awards__large
GHOEMA AFRIKAANS MUSIC AWARDS 2014 AT CARNIVAL CITY


 


DATE                     Sunday 13 April 2014


TIME                      17h00


VENUE                  Big Top Arena, Carnival City


TICKETS                From R100 to R150


BOOKING            Computicket


 


The cream of the Afrikaans recording industry will gather for the 13th annual Ghoema Afrikaans Music Awards which will take place at the Big Top Arena at Carnival City on Sunday 13 April 2014.


 Juanita+du+Plessis


Juanita+du+Plessis

The Ghoema Awards are a prestigious celebration of the Afrikaans language and its music and the evening combines the awards ceremony and great performances from some of South Africa’s leading performers. 


 


Performing this year are Elvis Blue, Kurt Darren, Riana Nel, Joshua na die Reen, Corlea Botha, Jay, Joe Foster, Burgert Botha and many more.


 


Ghoemas will be awarded in 25 categories to honor accomplishments over the past year.


 


The Ghoema Awards evening will be televised on kykNET at 8pm on Sunday 20 April 2014.  So why not join the live audience, who knows you may see yourself on TV.


 


The Ghoema Afrikaans Music Awards 2014 starts at 5pm. Tickets are available from Computicket between R100 and R150 each. Early booking is advised.


PUBLISHED BY DK EXPRESSIONS



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CAPE TOWN OPERA CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF SONG - #DKEXP, CAPE TOWN OPERA CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF SONG CAPE TOWN OPERA 2014 sees Cape Town Opera celebrating its fifteenth year as South Africa’s premiere - http://i1.wp.com/dkexpressions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/wp8147a5b8_05_06.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024 - #Music, Artscape Opera House, Bryn Terfel, Cape Town Opera, DKEXP - DK EXPRESSIONS™

CAPE TOWN OPERA CELEBRATES


15


YEARS OF SONG 


CAPE TOWN OPERA CAPE TOWN OPERA


2014 sees Cape Town Opera celebrating its fifteenth year as South Africa’s premiere opera company.   From its home in Southern Africa to countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Israel, the United States and Australia, Cape Town Opera has thrilled audiences across the globe.  Acclaimed for the vibrant vocalism and high-octane stage performances of its artists, Cape Town Opera’s soloists and chorus continue to win the hearts of local and international critics and opera-lovers while proudly flying the South African flag and showcasing this country’s wealth of talent.  Michael Williams, Cape Town Opera’s Managing Director reflects on this young company’s history, “Our survival would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and especially the National Lotteries Distribution Trust fund, the audience, our talented singers and staff members.  Equally important are the valuable collaborations we’ve forged with international opera companies. However we not only have to think more globally, we have to become more entrepreneurial in the way we run the company; it is after all a business, and that means balancing high quality with low overheads to survive.”


Not only is it the celebratory year for this esteemed opera company but also one of its busiest to date. Two concerts at the Artscape Opera House on 2 and 3 May by internationally acclaimed award-winning Welsh opera bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, who has performed in all the great opera houses of the world, is one of the biggest highlights of this anniversary year.   With a GRAMMY Award, a CBE and the Queen’s Medal for Music to his name, Terfel is one of the most sought-after opera singers in the world. Terfel will be accompanied by the Cape Town Opera chorus and the 70-strong voices of the Wales Millennium Centre’s Only Kids Aloud Chorus. Kamal Khan will conduct the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Wales Millennium Centre and Cape Town Opera enjoy a mutually beneficial partnership that spans a decade.  As part of this unique collaboration, the combined 120 voices will sing the world premiere of “Spirit of Unity”, a piece especially commissioned by Wales Millennium Centre, written by Dr Paul Mealor is a gift from the people of Wales to mark South Africa’s 20 years of Democracy. Terfel is currently co-starring opposite double Oscar winner and Hollywood star, Emma Thompson in Sweeney Todd at the Lincoln Centre in New York. 


Show_Boat_4_Marvin_5FFDB1_large.jpg Show_Boat_4_Marvin_5FFDB1_large.jpg


In February, members of Cape Town Opera’s Chorus, winners of the Best Chorus Award at the 2013 International Opera Awards, performed across the Indian Ocean as part of an international artistic collaboration fostered by the Perth International Arts Festival, Australia. South Africa’s “operatic ambassadors”, the Cape Town Opera Chorus proudly performed alongside the West Australian Opera chorus to the sounds of the esteemed Western Australia Symphony Orchestra in a tri-nation production of Verdi’s opera, Otello, a collaboration between Cape Town Opera and five south Atlantic opera companies.


CTO-SHOWBOAT-Gina-Shmukler-as-Julie.-Credit-Malin-Arnesson_1.jpg CTO-SHOWBOAT-Gina-Shmukler-as-Julie.-Credit-Malin-Arnesson_1.jpg


 


The ever-popular critically acclaimed musical, Kern/Hammerstein II’s Show Boat opens at the Opera House at Artscape, Cape Town for four performances only from 16 to 18 May 2014 prior to the production’s tour to the United Kingdom from 2 July to 2 August 2014.  Cape Town Opera’s production of Show Boat has enjoyed several triumphant seasons since its South African premiere in 2005. The show has received nightly standing ovations in Cape Town, Nürnberg, Oslo, Sweden and Paris. This collaboration between Cape Town Opera and the Wales Millennium Centre features an all-South African cast accompanied by the 30-piece Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Albert Horne and Gareth Jones to theatres in Birmingham, Wales, Manchester and Dublin. The combination of the Cape Town Opera’s chorus gutsy rendition of Ol’ Man River, the witty and glamorous production, the over one hundred period costumes and the stylish set has made Cape Town Opera’s production a winner wherever it tours. “Within a few minutes the performance by the South African ensemble was halted by spontaneous applause in between the scenes … the ice was broken and the showboat was sailing on this wave of goodwill,” says the Nürnberger Zeitung of Show Boats exemplary performances.


 


Since 2004 Cape Town Opera has successfully toured its productions of Porgy & Bess, Show BoatMandela Trilogy and Treemonisha to opera houses in Europe. This year’s international season began with January performances of African Angels (in cooperation with Senf Theaterpartners and Global Performing Arts Group) in the Netherlands and Belgium. Also in January, Porgy & Bess (in collaboration with Opera National de Bordeaux) played in France.  This company’s South African township-set production returns to Europe in July with performances in Spain in collaboration with the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona. This production of Porgy and Bess has been seen in Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom and Israel; in 2012 a hugely successful six city tour of the UK culminated in a two week run at London’s Coliseum, and a few weeks later the company performed the work in concert with the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir Simon Rattle at Berlin’s Philharmonie.


 


The awe-inspiring Van Dijk/Campbell’s Mandela Trilogy will visit Germany in June to perform at the Deutsches Theater Munich as part of artistic collaboration with Cape Town Opera. A celebration of the life of the revered world icon Nelson Mandela, Mandela Trilogy is the newest addition to Cape Town Opera’s touring repertoire, a truly home-brewed production that highlights the different phases of Mandela’s life, providing three singers with an opportunity to portray the complex aspects of his personality. This sterling production has enthralled audiences in Cape Town (as African Songbook: A Musical Tribute to the Life of Nelson Mandela), Johannesburg, Durban and Cardiff, Wales.   Local and international critics rave:  “Tackling a political subject on stage can translate into pure gold – or sheer suicide. But in the case of Mandela Trilogy, the gamble has paid off richly, resulting in an impressive entertainment product of export quality. It is a sensitive and evocative re-imagining of the Mandela legend performed by an amazing company (who dance really well too)” says Business Day and the Times, UK praises the show:  “Right from the opening’s sudden siren blare, Williams’s production proceeded so swiftly, so directly, that the evening’s momentum was unstoppable.”


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Cape Town Opera’s 2014 SA season opened last month with two performances of African Angels following its return from a highly successful 33-city tour of the Netherlands and Belgium. African Angels is a fantastic program of moving and uplifting African songs mixed with American gospel and opera classics with choreographed dance and music performed by 18 multi-talented chorus singers. The New Age enthusiastically hailed the production: “From the repertoire and its musical delivery to the choreography and overall presentation, African Angels is a resounding success”.


 


After May’s concerts by Bryn Terfel and two performances of Show Boat, Cape Town’s local season continues with the critically acclaimed zany comic opera Il Viaggio A Reims (in collaboration with UCT Opera School) from 26 to 30 August;  The Marriage of Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro) is a maze of unexpected twists and turns, mistaken identities, disguises and deceptions on stage from 18 – 26 October and ending this exceptionally busy year with Postcard from Morocco (in collaboration with UCT Opera School) from 19 – 23 November.  This unusual, absurdist opera is not about destinations or journeys: it is about people and the baggage they carry with them through life, providing a rare platform for South Africa’s next young soloists-in-the-making to shine. For bookings contact Computicket. For more information please contact www.capetownopera.co.za


 


The past fifteen years has seen a significant upliftment, education, training and development of many young singers who have graced local and international stages. Cape Town Opera’s South African base is a key training ground for gifted young African singers, many of whom come from South Africa’s poorest communities. Maintaining an impressively varied repertoire of opera, operetta and musicals at home (from Monteverdi to Janacek and Gershwin to new South African commissions), the company also engages widely with rural communities and young people around South Africa. Since 2005, CTO has showcased its finest vocal talents in a roster of touring productions that have brought the art of this unique company to the world. 


 


This celebratory fifteenth anniversary year sees Cape Town Opera staging six international productions, six local productions and outreach programmes in 43 cities and towns, across three continents.  Long may Cape Town Opera’s success continue for the next fifteen years and beyond.


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