PRESS: ENCHANTED BAROQUE a first-of-its-kind cathedral concert at St George’s

Kaz Henderson

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St George’s Cathedral will be transformed into a palace of sound on Friday, 19 December, when Opera UCT singers and a baroque ensemble under the direction of Professor Jeremy Silver, present ENCHANTED BAROQUE - a luminous hour of masterworks from the golden age of music.

Photos Supplied.

In a landmark moment for the city’s cultural calendar, this concert marks the first collaboration between the KT Wong Foundation, fashion icon Gavin Rajah, and Opera UCT in support of nurturing young operatic talent in South Africa. Set within the iconic beauty of St George’s Cathedral, the evening promises an unforgettable fusion of architecture, artistry, and Baroque brilliance.

ENCHANTED BAROQUE brings together the finest young voices of Opera UCT with specialist Baroque instrumentalists, offering audiences an immersive journey into the emotional richness, ornamentation, and expressive elegance that define this remarkable period of music.

The event is presented by the internationally respected KT Wong Foundation, founded by philanthropist and cultural visionary Lady Linda Wong Davies, whose work has been instrumental in fostering artistic exchange between East, West, and the African continent.  The foundation’s recent projects have included taking an operatic production of Porgy and Bess with Cape Town Opera to Beijing, along with Marvellous Realism, the first African photographic exhibition to show in China. 

A partnership that elevates South African talent

Lady Linda Wong Davies expressed her excitement at presenting ENCHANTED BAROQUE in aid of Opera UCT: “Opera UCT represents the very best of South Africa’s emerging talent - the discipline, the passion, and the artistic courage that move audiences everywhere.  The KT Wong Foundation is honoured to help bring Enchanted Baroque to life in such a historic setting. This concert is more than a performance; it is an investment in creativity, collaboration and the global future of South African voices.”

Jeremy Silver, Director of Opera UCT and conductor for the evening, describes the concert as both an artistic milestone and a meaningful cause: “Bringing Baroque music to life in the heart of St George’s Cathedral is something truly special. The acoustics, the atmosphere, the architecture - everything lends itself to the beauty and intimacy of this repertoire.  But more than that, this concert supports the next generation of young opera singers in South Africa.  It is a privilege to lead an evening that celebrates artistry while investing in the future.”

Acclaimed designer Gavin Rajah, long associated with the arts and cultural philanthropy, including his recent support of Opera UCT’s successful production of Die Fledermaus, adds his vision and support to the evening, helping frame the concert as one of Cape Town’s must-attend end-of-year artistic experiences.

A magical December experience - with added festive touches

Along with the concert itself, patrons will have the option of attending an exclusive post-performance reception at the Cathedral - a chance to enjoy the ambience, connect with fellow music lovers, and celebrate the close of the year in a remarkable setting.

In keeping with Opera UCT’s commitment to accessibility and community inclusion, discounted tickets are  available for under-18s and senior citizens, making ENCHANTED BAROQUE a welcoming experience for families, students, and older music lovers alike.

EVENT DETAILS

Title: ENCHANTED BAROQUE

Date: Friday 19 December 2025

Time: 7:00 PM (approx. one hour)

Concert Venue: St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town

Post Concert Reception Venue: The Labyrinth, St George’s Cathedral

Tickets: Available on Quicket from R150

Presented by: KT Wong Foundation, Gavin Rajah & Opera UCT

Featuring: Opera UCT singers and a baroque ensemble

Conductor: Professor Jeremy Silver

Singers:

Sopranos: Frances van Vuuren; Mia-Lana Slier

Mezzo sopranos: Lilitha Nkuku; Nica Reinke

Tenors: Iviwe Boms; Simbongile Ntlahla

Baritones: Sandile Zitha; Sisa Mjekula

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