THE KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO) has pulled off one of the biggest coups ever in the South African arts world: world renowned soprano Renee Fleming is to sing in South Africa.
Known as “the people’s diva”, the American soprano will take to the stage of the Durban City Hall on Thursday, August 27, the State Theatre in Pretoria on Saturday, August 29, and the Cape Town City Hall on Tuesday, September 1, as part of a national tour with the KZNPO.
Fleming’s visit is her first to South Africa and follows acclaimed performances around the world, including at London’s Covent Garden in La Traviata and the palaces of St Petersburg in Russia.
In a recorded message, she said: “I have had the privilege of performing around the world on a variety of stages and at prestigious events”.
“The thought of performing to the backdrop of majestic mountains and mingling with your diverse cultures, accompanied by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, fills me with anticipation.”
Announcing the national tour, Bongani Tembe, chief executive and artistic director of the KZNPO, said Fleming’s performances will promote excellence in the arts and contribute to the development of talented young South African artists through a planned master class and other community initiatives.
Although the concert programme has yet to be finalised, opera fans can expect to hear Fleming’s signature operatic arias, including Visi d’Arte from Puccini’s Tosca and O mio babbino caro from his Gianni Schicchi, Summertime from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and I Could Have Danced All Night from the musical My Fair Lady.
Tickets for the Durban concert go on sale on June 1 through Computicket at 083 915 8000.
Watch the video:
