Gauteng Opera Company relocates to Jozi’s inner city

16 November 2016

 

The Gauteng Opera Company is now calling Miriam Makeba Street in Ferreirastown, adjacent to Newtown, its new home following its relocation from the State Theatre in Pretoria.

 

The move has injected a dramatic new flair and flavour into the rich and eclectic arts and culture offerings already in abundance in the vibrant Newtown precinct.

“We would like to contribute to the emerging arts hub in this part of Johannesburg, building on what is already been done in Newtown,” says Gauteng Opera’s Chief Operating Officer, Arnold Cloete.

“The area is rich in culture and artistic architecture and Gauteng’s leading opera company will just contribute to the awareness and variety of Johannesburg’s rich history and diverse offerings.”

He says the venue was offered to the Gauteng Opera Company as a potential relocation spot by the Johannesburg Land Company.

“They saw an artistic potential in this building block. Although we occupy only a quarter of it at present, hopefully in time and with more financial support, we can re-establish this beautiful old building with its very interesting theatre space,” Cloete says.

Founded in 1999 as the Black Tie Ensemble, the Gauteng Opera Company was renamed in 2013 to better describe its core mandate. The performing arts and entertainment company focuses on opera-related productions, concerts and events and drives the aim of exposing opera to a variety of audiences through a range of initiatives and opportunities.

Cloete encourages aspirant opera enthusiasts to log onto the company’s website and sign up for its bi-weekly newsletter for details of upcoming performances as well as performance and work opportunities for singers and other professional performers.

Visit the Gauteng Opera Company at 5-7 Miriam Makeba Street, between Marshall and Anderson streets, Ferreirastown, or log onto www.gautengopera.org for more information on upcoming performances and news updates.