More than 50 classically trained Zambian musicians and singers will perform in the world premiere of a new contemporary opera at the Lusaka Playhouse next month.
The OperaZ Orchestra, Kanon Choir and Team Jiva dancers will showcase some of the country’s best talent in Damyna, Damyna, a story of drama, romance and intrigue that explores the conflicts of modern-day society.
Local performers will be joined by six guest musicians from the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Academy in Germany, and will be conducted by renowned conductor Theo Bross.
The opera stars soloists Lulu Imbula, Chrispin Lindunda, Paddy Mukando, Cathrin Mukupa, Stanley Musowe, Josephine Kachiza, Mate Mate and Portia Imbula.
Music direction is by Milupi Imbula; choreography by Michael Malambo; production design by Nadezda Chibanda; costumes by Charity Nyirongo; stage manager is Chris Mulambwa.
Sponsors include Manzi Valley, Proflight Zambia, ProCharter, Amatheon Agri, Ngoma Dolce Music Academy and Langmead & Baker.
Rehearsals are at an advanced stage for the collective’s first performance of the opera, which explores the conflicts between traditional rural life in Zambia and the attractions and challenges of modern urban living. Essentially a love story, the allegory also examines controversial issues surrounding orphans, donor influence, the gap between rich and poor and the everyday struggles of rural life.
The opera is composed and written by long-term Zambia resident Dr Peter Langmead, who has spent much of his working life travelling throughout Zambia for his work, drawing inspiration for the composition from his experiences and observation.
“Damyna Damyna is about the realities of life familiar to many people, but the show also has magical touches and quite a few surprises.” said Dr Langmead. “It is also an opportunity for people to see the remarkable – and often hidden – talent that we have in Zambia.”
Dr Langmead’s vision is to restore opera’s reputation as an entertainment event for ordinary people, rather than an elitist art form. He aims to encourage and stage new compositions by new composers, and break the mould, rather than dwell on the traditional Western classical pieces.
Instead he hopes to impart his enthusiasm and passion for contemporary classical music to a new generation of young performers and artists who are keen to break down the barriers between old and new, traditional and modern, and classical and contemporary music.
The opera will be staged at the Lusaka Playhouse at 19hrs on Thursday, April 3, Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. Tickets are K200 and can be reserved by calling 0976 750044 or emailing [email protected]
Theo and Orchestra
Terence and Theo
About OperaZ
OperaZ is a collective of talented classically trained Zambian singers and musicians, along with some of the country’s leading contemporary dancers.
The aim is to showcase new contemporary compositions through performances throughout Zambia and internationally.
The group also aims to nurture emerging classical music talent, inspire new musicians to reach their potential and provide a platform to bring work to a wider audience.
For more information visit www.operaz.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OperaZed
Twitter: @Opera4Z
Sounds very promising, all the best!
Elo lwanya…. am sure Sata will collapse from laughing.
Two years ago it was Salsa dancing out-break, now Opera?
@ Nostradamus, Nanga ba fwaka ya chi ngoni ba nga tambe ba so? Let him focus on finishing Jelita and Mulenga first
This is very positive, look at all that talent in young people. Good Job, Peter.
Haven’t read the whole posting…My hope is that it at least it infuses African culture- we cannot afford to be copycats or else in the next 2 generations we will have a history as told by the white man. We too have African greats in art.
Brilliant, I for one will make it a point to attend this function.
No 1 you watch too much Zambia Galu Watchers.
What has my post got to do with galu watchers(your term!) ? Life is bigger than politics, especially mediocre politics at that! Why are you so worried? I was just wishing the performers and organisers well. My comments had nothing to do with the anarchic comedy show on independence avenue. YOU MUST BE A FAKE BLOGGER! I DECLARE YOU FIRED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT IN NATIONAL INTEREST!!!
#2 Why don’t you start one and infuse some African culture?
Sikatana my brother the opera is being performed by Africans therefore it would be a pleasure (though not my choice) to see Africanism in it. And as I have read the whole posting I suppose it will- so I will endeavor to watch it…otherwise my observations do not change. As to me creating my own show- not my field nor necessary
I envy Zambians this opportunity.Wish I was there to attend.
ma rubbish, by the way….am travelling to moscow on sunday to watch ru ssians perfoming makish, nyau and kalindula. a country where even culture is imported zambia twasebana
Very promising I like it,youngs will be busy not having idle people in the nation.
Will make a date once I’ve landed!
Congratulations I know most of the people there. Lulu good to see how you have improved