We are looking forward to the 2022 collaboration between the UCT Opera School and the Stellenbosch University Vocal Division. Performances take place on Thursday 10 March at 7:30pm at the Baxter Theatre, Cape Town, and on Friday 11 March at 7pm at the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch.

Two big ideas underpin the choice of songs in this programme: the celebration of female creatives and the theme of lost love. The majority of songs come from Lili Boulanger’s cycle Clairi res dans le ciel, to poems by French symbolist poet Francis Jammes. The remaining songs are by Jules Massenet, all to poems by female poets.

Seven singers from each institution will sing one song and perform the poem of another song in English. The aims of this project are to develop language skills in relation to the communication of subtle shades of meaning, and to enhance sensitivity to the precise expressivity of music. Students are asked to create an expressive and communicative translation by discussing the possible meanings of the poems and through examining the composer’s setting of the poem and the meaning elucidated through the music. Students will be accompanied on piano by director of the UCT Opera School, Jeremy Silver.

Please keep in mind that for all live events current restrictions allow for 150 audience members in the Endler Hall and all safety protocols outlined by the University will be strictly followed.

Tickets for R120 (regular) and R80 (pensioners, students, and scholars) are available now through Computicket and at the door one hour before the show. For more information contact Fiona Grayer at concerts@sun.ac.za or 021 808 2358.