MESSIAH

(Soprano Nozuko Teto)

Mention the name of the great Baroque composer, George Frideric Handel, and Messiah – the world's most celebrated oratorio - springs immediately to mind.

Mention both Handel and Messiah in the same breath and it's hard not to think Easter. They've almost become synonymous.

Messiah, whose story line deals with the biblical Nativity, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, is generally regarded as the greatest masterpiece of music composed in England, and is now performed every year in many corners around the globe, at venues that range from tiny community halls to the world's leading concert venues.

The music's popularity is now so widespread and mainstream; it has been played and recorded countless times since its debut 272 years ago.

Durban's Playhouse Company has long been an active player in this rich and historic tradition and this year it will host a major performance of Handel's magnum opus on Easter Sunday, April 20, in the Opera Theatre.

It promises to be a memorable Easter treat, featuring some of the country's leading opera singers, accompanied by the Playhouse Company Chorale and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.

It is an impressive line-up of soloists.

-Nozuko Teto, whose operatic roles include the Marschallin in Strauss Der Rosenkavalier, Adina in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore and Madame Courtese in Rossini's Il Viaggio a Reims. Her oratorio performances have taken her to concert venues all over the world.

-Local opera singer Khumbuzile Dhlamini, who has appeared in a number of concerts with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra both here and in other provinces, and toured internationally with Opera Africa, performing in Mzilikazi Khumalo's Princess Magogo.

-Popular baritone, Aubrey Lodewyk, who has performed at the Cape Town Festival classical concert and also sang with the Gauteng Choristers

-Bulgarian-born Violina Anguelov who, since moving to South Africa, has sung a wide range of principal mezzo soprano operatic roles, including Carmen at the Playhouse in 2010

-Stéfan Louw, a professional tenor who is a well-known face on opera stages with more than 30 full opera productions behind his name.

Add to this the tones of the Playhouse Company Chorale under seasoned choir master, Gerhard Geist, accompanied by the ever-popular KZN Philharmonic under the baton of the well-known conductor, Naum Rousine, and you have a winning combination of accomplished talents that ensures the Easter production of Messiah in Durban is a resounding success.

The performance takes place at 15h00 on April 20 (Easter Sunday) Tickets range from R85 to R120 booked through Computicket. For information on block bookings contact 031 369 9456 or email: salescoordinator@playhousecompany.com