The Instititute presents two exceptional Opera Lecture Recitals with Alessandro Baricco, one of Italy’s most celebrated contemporary writers and a renowned expert on music and opera, together with talented singers from Opera UCT.
An enchanting journey through the history of opera, guided by Alessandro Baricco and interspersed with some of the most beloved arias from the operatic repertoire, performed live by Opera UCT singers.
A unique opportunity to experience opera, literature and storytelling coming together on stage, in a format presented in South Africa for the first time.
Dates:
JOHANNESBURG
2 October | 6:00 PM
UJ – Arts and Culture
CAPE TOWN (in collaboration with the Italian Consulate in Cape Town)
7 October | 7:00 PM
The Baxter Theatre
Bookings: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/seating.aspx?itemid=1594277186
Alessandro Baricco
Alessandro Baricco is one of Italy’s most celebrated contemporary writers and an expert on music and opera. Throughout his career, he has moved effortlessly between literature, music, theatre and film.
His best-known works include Silk, Ocean Sea and Novecento, which have been translated into more than 40 languages and read by audiences around the world.
His stories have also inspired acclaimed films: Novecento became Giuseppe Tornatore’s award-winning The Legend of 1900; Silk was adapted for the screen starring Keira Knightley; and, in 2024, Angelina Jolie directed Without Blood, based on Baricco’s novel.
The Programme
The lecture recital will feature:
“Io ti lascio, perché uniti” — Il matrimonio segreto, Domenico Cimarosa
“Madamina, il catalogo è questo” — Don Giovanni, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
“Mira, o Norma” — Norma, Vincenzo Bellini
“Una furtiva lagrima” — L’elisir d’amore, Gaetano Donizetti
“Miei rampolli femminini” — La Cenerentola, Gioachino Rossini
“Vissi d’arte” — Tosca, Giacomo Puccini
With:
Lisa Engelbrecht — Piano
Molly Dzangare — Soprano
Rosa Vita van der Dussen — Mezzo-soprano
Landula Hambile — Baritone
Vuyani Halam — Tenor
MEET ALESSANDRO BARICCO
The journey with Alessandro Baricco continues with two special encounters dedicated to his literary works.
JOHANNESBURG
1 October | 10:30 AM
Wits University
For information and bookings: Prof. Anita Virga Anita.Virga@wits.ac.za
CAPE TOWN (in collaboration with the Italian Consulate in Cape Town)
6 October | 11:00 AM
For information and bookings: Dr Mara Boccaccio mara.boccaccio@uct.ac.za