Chineke! Orchestra / Cape Town Opera / Enrique Mazzola
Porgy and Bess in concert
Dates
thu 17 sep 2026 - 20:00
location
Rode zaal
price
€ 15 → 95
Extra info
introduction Stephan Weytjens / 19:15 / Muziekstudio
language
Surtitling: Dutch
South Africa could rescue Opera … returning it to the passion, humanity, and personality that inspired the great operas in the first place. The Guardian
Summertime - and the livin’ is easy. Who doesn't know the iconic theme from Porgy and Bess? George Gershwin's masterpiece took a sledgehammer to classical traditions with a work centred on the African-American experience, in which jazz, spirituals and opera converge into a powerful and compelling narrative. Moreover, Gershwin wanted Porgy and Bess to be performed exclusively by black singers. Who better to fulfil his wish than the Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble from South Africa and the British Chineke! Orchestra?
Porgy and Bess has become one of the best-loved operas of the 20th century, thanks to its unique fusion of musical styles and its universal themes: love, struggle, hope and community. Conducted by Enrique Mazzola, the two ensembles bring this compelling story to life with unprecedented urgency. Top South African singers Siyabulela Ntlale (Porgy) and Nonhlanhla Yende (Bess) form the beating heart of an interpretation that you won't forget in a hurry.
Conductor Kwamé Ryan will be replaced by Enrique Mazzola due to a scheduling conflict.
Porgy and Bess has become one of the best-loved operas of the 20th century, thanks to its unique fusion of musical styles and its universal themes: love, struggle, hope and community. Conducted by Enrique Mazzola, the two ensembles bring this compelling story to life with unprecedented urgency. Top South African singers Siyabulela Ntlale (Porgy) and Nonhlanhla Yende (Bess) form the beating heart of an interpretation that you won't forget in a hurry.
Conductor Kwamé Ryan will be replaced by Enrique Mazzola due to a scheduling conflict.
Works
Porgy and Bess
Credits
Porgy
Bess
Sportin' Life
Crown
Clara
More