Zanne Stapelberg to Perform with USSO at Stellenbosch's Woordfees Festival, March 1 & 3

The flamboyant opera diva Zanne Stapelberg will perform in two Opera Gala concerts with the outstanding University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra (USSO), in Stellenbosch as part of the Woordfees festival, on 1 and 3 March 2013.

Over the years, Zanne has captured the hearts of opera lovers and concert-goers alike, blending a dynamic stage persona with great artistry, musical integrity and unparalleled passion. Hailed as one of South Africa's most prolifically talented and engaging artists, Zanne will appear in concert with the orchestra under the baton of maestro Corvin Matei in a concert featuring some of her favourite Opera Arias.

Although South Africa has produced many fine singers, it is only a select few who have the distinction and honour of appearing as a featured soloist in an Opera Gala with a full Symphony Orchestra. What makes these particular concerts extraordinary is that they will be recorded for a CD entitled ZANNE STAPELBERG LIVE WITH THE USSO. This recording has been made possible with generous sponsorship from Standard Bank. Zanne was the 2008 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music, an award considered to be the most prestigious arts award in South Africa.

In acknowledgement of the bicentenary of the birth of two of opera's greatest composers, namely Verdi and Wagner, Zanne will sing "Salce, Salce" and "Ave Maria" from Verdi's OTELLO, whilst the orchestra will open the second half of the programme with the Prelude to Act 3 of LOHENGRIN by Wagner. Other works include arias by Puccini and Dvorak. The famous Barcarolle from Offenbach's THE TALES OF HOFFMAN will include as a special guest, mezzo-soprano, Minette du Toit-Pearce whilst the rousing Easter Hymn from Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana will see the chorus sung by Canticum Novum. The programme will end with the tragic and fiery Milonga from Maria de Buenos Aires Argentinian tango composer, Astor Piazzolla.

The Zanne Stapelberg-USSO Opera Gala will be presented at the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch on Friday 1 March at 8pm and on Sunday 3 march at 4:30pm with tickets at R120 via Computicket.