Calling themselves “the first black South African Opera company in town”, Opera @ Mzantsi is a group of nine singers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Opera School and Choral Academy (OSCA).

UKZN graduate and honours student, Bonginkosi Cingani, formed the group to create a greater awareness for opera among multi-cultural audiences and to build job opportunities for talented young opera singers. The group comprises Mhlaba Buthelezi, Bonginkosi Cingani, Lauren Dasappa, Bulelani Madikizela, Sbongile Magwaza, Nonhlanhla Mthimkulu, Nomveliso Nocuze, Lubabalo Nteyi and Nozuko Teto.

Opera @ Mzantsi’s inauguration concert will take place on May 27 in Howward College Theatre. The programme includes excerpts from operas by Delibes, Offenbach, Mozart, Verdi and Puccini. Programme director and guest artist will be popular well-known soprano Thokozani Mkhize. Andrew Warburton will provide piano accompaniment.

The concert on May 27 starts at 19h30. Tickets R30 (R15 students) available at the door. More information from Mabongi at 031 260 2850 or 083 929 3251 or e-mail: mngunime@ukzn.ac.za