Cape Town Opera

Celebrating 25 years in 2024, Cape Town Opera is South Africa's premier full-time opera company, recognized for its commitment to excellence and cultural heritage. As the continent's only continuously active opera company, it offers a vibrant repertoire of operas, musicals, and community outreach programs. Through initiatives like the National Schools Tour and the Judith Neilson Young Artist Programme, Cape Town Opera nurtures local talent while captivating international audiences with acclaimed performances such as "Porgy and Bess", "Showboat" and "Mandela Trilogy".

Since their collaboration began in 2009 with a UK tour of "Porgy and Bess," Askonas Holt and Cape Town Opera have strengthened their partnership through tours across Asia, Europe, and South America.

In 2024, they will again join forces for a new production of "Porgy and Bess," directed by Noa Naamat and conducted by Kazem Abdullah, co-produced with the Cape Town Opera, Beijing Music Festival and KT Wong Foundation. This tour marks the premiere of "Porgy and Bess" in China, making it Cape Town Opera's first performance in the country.

Through dynamic global collaborations and a robust touring schedule, Cape Town Opera not only preserves the art form but also highlights South Africa's rich musical legacy through its operas and chorus concerts.