Since 2011, Sempre Opera has promoted opera by presenting concerts and full productions. This month and early September, two more full-length operas are staged; Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Mozart’s Bastien&Bastienna.
Schweigtstille, plaudertnicht (Be still, stop chattering), BWV 211, also known as the secular Coffee Cantata was composed by JS Bach around 1732 and 1735. Although this work is classified as a cantata, it actually is a miniature comic opera telling the humorous tale of a daughter, Lieschen, hopelessly addicted to coffee and her long-suffering father, Herr Schlendrian, who seems to be at his wit’s end because of her obsession. The role of Lieschen is sung by soprano Deirdré Blignaut-Rautenbach. DanieVerster (baritone) is the father and Walter Fourie is the tenor/narrator.
WA Mozart was only 12 years old when he composed his first miniature opera, Bastien&Bastienna, staged in 1768. This opera in a teacup tells the story of Bastien and Bastienna’s pains and pleasure in love, as well as the role that Colas, a mock magician, plays in their lives. Bastienna is sung by AilynNienaber (soprano) and Herman Pretorius (tenor) makes his Sempre Opera debut as Bastien. Rex Nigriniplays the comical baritone character, Colas. Salome Coertze is the pianist for both productions and direction is by DanieVerster and Deirdré Blignaut-Rautenbach.
Both miniature productions are staged at the Centurion Theatre on Sunday28 August and 4 September at 15:00. Tickets for the concerts will be sold for R120 per person and can be booked by making an electronic transfer to the Sempre Opera’s bank account. Tickets will also be available at the door. For further information please direct enquiries to [email protected] or visit the website at www.sempreopera.co.za.