A Night of Opera Excellence: the Duet Endowment Trust Gala Concert review

Review: Michael Arendse

The Duet Endowment Trust Gala Concert held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Artscape proved once again that South Africa is home to some of the most remarkable artistic talent in the world. Featuring renowned soprano Golda Schultz, celebrated baritone Jacques Imbrailo, and the Cape Town Opera (CTO) soloists, the event also spotlighted the Judith Nielson Young Artists, the CTO's Vocal Ensemble and Children's Chorus, alongside the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CTPO) and conducted by maestro Gaetano Lo Coco. The concert aimed to raise funds for the trust, which supports both the CTO and the CTPO.

The evening launched with an exuberant overture from the CTPO, setting an optimistic tone for the concert. Lo Coco's leadership ensured the orchestra provided a vigorous accompaniment throughout the programme. While there were moments when a more delicate touch could have enhanced the solo performances, the overall energy provided a fitting start.

Highlighting the concert's theatrical flair, the CTO Vocal Ensemble and Children's Chorus tackled classic pieces, including an acceptable rendition of "Les voici!" from Bizet's Carmen and the "Chorus Waltz" from Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin. However, some audience members noted a lack of exuberance; in a gala atmosphere, one could reasonably expect more vivacity from a chorus.

Golda Schultz opened the solo performances with Gounod's famous "Jewel Song," but many felt her delivery was underwhelming. Though technically sound, her interpretation lacked the dramatic flair that one anticipates at such a distinguished event. It wasn't until she sang her final aria, "Now word from Tom… I go, I go to him" from Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress, that glimpses of her vocal potential shone through—sadly, by this point, it was a case of ‘too little, too late.’

Contrastingly, Jacques Imbrailo's performance captivated the audience right from the start. His powerful rendition of "O Carlo, ascolta...lo morrò" from Verdi's Don Carlo left no doubt about his prowess, earning him the robust applause he deserved. His second aria, "Look through the port" from Britten's Billy Budd, illustrated his versatile skills, reaffirming why he commands attention on international stages like the Royal Opera House.

Among the most memorable moments of the evening was mezzo-soprano Nonhlanhla Yende’s performance of the aria "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" from Saint-Saëns's Samson et Dalila. Yende's heartfelt interpretation mesmerised the audience, culminating in a well-deserved standing ovation that echoed through the hall.

The evening continued to impress with our tenor Lukhanyo Moyake, who showcased his significant talent alongside Schultz and soprano Brittany Smith. The duet between Imbrailo and soprano Khayakazi Madlala, the poignant "O! Kak mnye tyazhelo!" from Eugene Onegin, further unravelled the night’s rich tapestry of operatic offerings. The concert also featured the Act IV Finale from Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro, sandwiching the first half with joyous harmonies. The second half concluded with a spirited delivery of "Un di... Bella figlia dell'amore" from Verdi's Rigoletto, showcasing a robust quartet comprising Moyake, Smith, Yende, and baritone Lonwabo Mose.

As the final notes echoed through the auditorium, the concert resonated not just as an exhibition of talent but also as a tribute to the vibrant operatic scene in South Africa. The Duet Endowment Trust Gala Concert affirmed that in the realm of art and music, South Africa stands proudly amongst the finest globally.