This cultural exchange project is the brainchild of South African lyric tenor Herman Theron and Yves Senn from Switzerland's L'Avant-Scène Opéra, who forged a strong friendship bond during their years as students of Nicolai Gedda in Switzerland almost ten years ago. Theron has also sung principal roles in Verdi's La Traviata and Bernstein's West Side Story at the L'Avant-Scène opera house.
Reakopana means "We are coming together", with Europe and Africa working side by side in a progressive new partnership that will be music to the ears of the South African opera scene.
This independent, non-profit opera festival will launch with three performances in August 2012 at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria, followed by three performances in November in Colombier, Switzerland. In Reakopana's first production, the lead roles will be shared by Swiss and South African singers, and the Pretoria performances will feature a local ensemble and musicians. When the production travels to Switzerland, the South African leads will sing alongside an ensemble and musicians from L'Avant-Scène Opéra.
"Through the expertise and knowledge base of the South African and European contingents, we have the opportunity to establish a future and legacy for South African performers as well as for classical music, in the years to come," Theron says. Adds Senn: "If we look at the current structures in place, for example at the opera houses, the possibilities for artists are limited. Through projects such as Reakopana, we are creating an additional platform for artists to work for a reasonable income, to expand their network, and give them an opportunity to enhance their skills and get noticed by other role-players in the industry."
He says that besides the cultural exchange component, there will be several opportunities for artist development and skills refinement by performers from both countries, as well as those involved in facets of production such as costume and set design, administration and lighting.
Theron, who is currently performing in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical The Phantom of the Opera at the Montecasino Teatro, harbours a particular passion for artist development, having had to make his own way in the industry and endure the attendant hard knocks. "I now want to create opportunities and give experience to other South African artists. Some can't afford to go overseas to be exposed to the opera scene there, and through Reakopana we hope to assist in that. At the same time, we want to expose the Swiss to the wealth of talent we have here in South Africa."
