Cape Town Opera at Simonsig Wine Estate Stellenbosch South Africa

Although the time in Hermanus is wonderful, I miss Cape Town’s energy, excitement, and performing arts venues. It’s only a two-hour drive, but unsettling not knowing what weather might occur while crossing Sir Lowrys Pass at night. Wind and fog on the Pass can be fierce, and the two-lane freeway has no lights or dividers. If something happens, you’re toast.

Simonsig Wine Estate

When I heard that Cape Town Opera was performing at Simonsig Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, I jumped at the chance to attend the performance! Although I still had to cross the Pass at night, it’s only about an hour away. The fact that it was a dinner concert at Simonsig’s Cuvée Restaurant was an extra added delight.

Cape Town Opera

Singers from Cape Town Opera appear at Simonsig every year performing arias and ensembles from well-known operas and musicals. The spectacular opera program was entitled “Love In All Its Splendour 1750 – 1950”. It was thrilling to be so close to the singers while they performed! Friends in Hermanus weren’t interested in opera, so I went on my own.

Audience

There were about eight tables seating twelve or so people, and I sat at a front table with five interesting couples – four German transplants and one South African. I’m sure that, except for me, they all spoke fluent German, Afrikaans, or both. One woman had a small vineyard specializing in champagne and another a PR firm. Most of them lived in Windmeul (Windmill), a small town near Paarl. The South African couple was friendly and interested in my African travels.

I’ve seen several Cape Town Opera performances at Artscape Theatre and have never been disappointed. The Germans were a bit critical of the diction and pronunciation of some singers. The MC for the evening was quick to notice. Before she introduced the second set she discussed the libretto (text of an opera) explaining that many were written so long ago that even native speakers don’t always understand every word. The singers were brave to perform for a small audience of discerning Germans.

Cape Town Opera singers have performed internationally at festivals and productions throughout Europe and the world. I spoke briefly with Melanie Daniels, Cape Town Opera Development Manager, who said it had been difficult to find venues in the US.

I’m not an opera expert but enjoyed every song performed and thought the singers were magnificent! I hope to hear them perform again at other venues.

Program Before Main Course

• Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) – Mozart
• Gianni Schicchi – Puccini Solo Frances du Plessis
• Faust – Gounod Solo Nkululeko Masuku
• Carmen – Bizet

Program Before Dessert

• Giuditta – Franz Lehár Solo Cecilia Rangwanasha
• Paganini – Franz Lehár
• Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow) – Franz Lehár
• Camelot – Lerner & Loewe
• West Side Story – Bernstein Solo Johannes Slabbert
• Porgy & Bess – Gershwin
• Der Vogelhändler (The Bird Seller) – Zeller

Singers

The talented singers were accompanied by amazing pianist Paul Ferreira.

• Frances du Plessis Soprano
• Nkululeko Masuku Tenor
• Martin Mkhize Baritone
• Thomas Mohlamme Bass
• Cecilia Rangwanasha Soprano
• Nonhlanhla Yende Mezzo Soprano
• Abongile Fumba Mezzo Soprano
• Johannes Slabbert Tenor

I thoroughly enjoyed the program. Johannes Slabbert’s Maria from West Side Story was magnificent. The bass, Thomas Mohlamme, has a mesmerizing voice, and sopranos, especially Frances du Plessis, were all amazing – a memorable evening!