In 1986, the Richard Wagner Society of South Africa was established in Cape Town, mainly as an exponent of the great composer. 

In recent years, it has gone far beyond its original mandate to create an interest in and deepen the understanding of the works of Wagner and promote international co-operation amongst the 139 societies around the world.

Now, it also nurtures the coming generations of gifted musicians by presenting them in recital, where they gain experience and confidence to step up to the next level in their careers, performing or studying further in opera.

La Serva Padrona by Pergolesi (2008), La Scala di Seta by Rossini (2009) and Der fliegende Holländer (2011) (which was nominated for three 2012 Fiesta Awards for best production, best set design and best singer in the classical milieu) have given such artists the opportunity to sing in productions that young singers all over the world just dream about.

The success of these productions was also acknowledged by the International Association of Wagner Societies which bestowed upon president Herbert Glöckner the prestigious Golden W medal.

The 2012 opera is Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma and will be staged at Artscape on 16, 18, and 19 February 2012 as part of Cape Town’s annual Suidoosterfees. Bookings at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 7695.

Published 23 January 2012