Cape Town - Cape Town’s arts industry has always seen spectacular turnout from arts lovers in all forms of the culture of art.
Whether it be dance, singing, instrumental, visual arts and more, the arts has stood resilient over generations and even triumphed during a world pandemic that saw the lights dim and curtains dropped as theatres faced closing over long periods under lockdown.
After heaps of hurdles, the arts celebrate 30 years of democracy at the elegant Variety Gala. The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and the Artscape, have teamed up to host the gala to mark the 30 year milestone.
On September 14, the concert will showcase top Cape Town acts who have joined forces with various arts companies to host an evening of pure entertainment.
The concert will take place at Artscape on September 14 at 7.30 and is supported by the City of Cape Town.
Artists, some of whom are performing with a professional orchestra for the first time, include Tarryn Lamb, Talitha Luiters, Craig Lucas, Loki Rothman, Edith Plaatjies, Vuvu Kumalo, Oleksii and Leda, the CPO Afri-Arts Choir and Cape Town Opera, Cape Town City Ballet, Jazzart Dance Theatre, Manila von Teez, Zimbini and Elvis Sibeko Studios and Unmute are also part of the line up. No such concert would be the same without the silks of ZipZap Circus.
A brand new medley of iconic hit songs by David Kramer will open the concert, which will be conducted by Brandon Philips. Alan Committie is the master of ceremonies. The team that put it together comprises director Aviva Pelham, musical director Stefan Lombard, producer Louis Heyneman and assistant producer Marvin Weavers.
CEO of the CPO, Heyneman, said the event will also showcase the young and fresh talent of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra musicians as part of their development process.
“We are proud to be part of the musical journey of many young musicians from various genres, seeing them flourish as entertainers and also to see the pride experienced in the communities that surround them. We are also delighted to collaborate with Artscape and the associated arts companies to proudly show the South African cultural flag 30 years after democracy arrived on our shores.
“Performing alongside some of South Africa’s iconic singers makes the CPO even more relevant in its mission which is to be an orchestra for all, but having the opportunity to bring some of our young Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra musicians on board is part of the development process.
“All of the artists bring something special to the line up and sometimes the musicians would also like to be in the audience so they can fully appreciate the delights that artists like Manila von Teez brings to the show as she did with the CPO last year.”
Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux said South Africa’s rich heritage makes it easy to celebrate the unity in diversity.
“As democracy turns 30, we in the arts; should be proud that our divergent roots of ethnicity have merged in a Rainbow Nation. You will be mesmerised as we showcase a kaleidoscope that has echoed the nation’s rich diversity seamlessly blending various artistic forms, in the hope of uniting audiences through the universal languages of song, and dance.”
“The showcase emphasises the need for South Africans to celebrate unity in diversity, through promoting social cohesion and inclusivity of our unique, colourful cultural heritage and encourage our culturally diverse Cape Town, the Western Cape, as well as South Africans at large with a dialogue about our values, our aspirations and visions as we work together towards a united, inclusive and dignified nation.”
Tickets to the Variety Gala are available via Webtickets at R150.
Weekend Argus