2018 ANNUAL REPORT – 2 –

VISION & VALUES CONTENTS TO BE THE LEADING COMPANY OF ITS TYPE IN THE WORLD, AND A SOURCE OF PRIDE TO ALL SOUTH AFRICANS.

OUR MISSION VISION & VALUES 2 To promote and develop the appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of opera amongst all South Africans, and respect for its practitioners; CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT 6 To mobilise all available local, national, regional and global artistic, MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT 8 financial and managerial resources in support of CTO’s vision; DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 10 To contribute to committed and innovative stewardship of opera and the FACTS & FIGURES 12 operatic arts in South Africa; ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S REPORT 14 To show sensitivity to the needs and requirements of the broad-based opera community in South Africa. ACTIVITIES BY MONTH 16 To engage with and inspire future generations GLOBAL REACH 20 STAFF 22 OUR VALUES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION 28 Excellence and integrity in all our undertakings; Committed and innovative stewardship; DIRECTORS & TRUSTEES 30 Sound and ethical governance; FINANCIAL REPORT 32 Open engagement with stakeholders. FUNDERS & SPONSORS 36

OUR GOALS PATRONS & BEQUESTS 38 Provide a full and varied programme of world class opera and operatic 2019 SEASON 39 productions with South African and international artists in South Africa;

Provide training and skills development opportunities for South African singers and operatic arts practitioners in South Africa and abroad; Provide performance opportunities for South African singers and operatic arts practitioners in South Africa and abroad; Encourage and support the creation and production of new operatic and musical works that reflect South Africa’s cultural diversity and explore African identity. 4 5

There is much to laud – the choreography is virtually faultless as the scenes morph authenticity – which coupled with superb stage design makes for a real visual treat. from the rural Transkei where one can almost smell the cow dung and the red earth There are many other superb performances, all making up a production that provides as elders and initiates dance and move in synchronised union. This, to the smoky bar a window into the world that this shining beacon was moulded by, and himself scenes in Sophiatown where the men and women leave their deep troubles outside [Nelson Mandela], made. It’s inspirational and heart-warming. as they jive to the sounds of Dolly and other jazz luminaries of the time. Then to the ORIELLE BERRY austere prison scenes on where men are seen chipping away in the CAPE TIMES quarry, as they go about their back-breaking, menial punishment. It all evokes a unique – 6 – FAREWELL CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT MICHAEL In April 2018 Managing Director Michael Williams left Opera to accept the position of CEO of the Buxton International Festival in England. “I look ahead to 2018 reassured that our experiences At the beginning of September the Board was very and Artscape – you are essential to enabling In his letter of resignation, Michael said it was with have tempered Cape Town Opera to emerge stronger, pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Elise South Africa’s talented young opera singers to realise mixed emotion that he left Cape Town Opera because facing the future with confidence and conviction.” These Brunelle as the new Managing Director of Cape Town their dreams as they deserve where the world of the Company had been at the heart of his life for twenty were the words with which I concluded my Chairperson’s Opera. Elise, who joined the company in 2005 and had professional opera is their oyster – I thank you most eight years and that he owed so much to the Company Report for 2017. That the Company embraced 2018, been the Company’s Financial Manager for the past warmly for your generous support. and to the Board for the trust placed in him. stronger and leaner, resourceful and optimistic was nine years, understands exactly what it takes to ensure To my colleagues on the Board of Cape Town Opera, the Michael successfully positioned Cape Town Opera on the important as it needed to take in its stride, not missing a a sustainable business and performing arts company. UK Friends of Cape Town Opera, the Endowment Trust, international stage as a world class opera company we beat, the unexpected change of Managing Director. And we are very pleased that under her leadership Cape and the Management team, staff and singers – the are very proud of. As Managing Director, opera librettist Town Opera is doing extremely well and moving ahead Michael Williams, MD for thirteen of the twenty eight Company could not thrive without your generous support and opera director, he richly understood what Maria confidently. years of his involvement with Cape Town Opera, and your total dedication. My deep thanks to each one. Callas meant when she said that ‘An opera begins long announced his resignation at the beginning of 2018 to Confidently because this innovative Company continues before the curtain goes up.’ Michael worked tirelessly to Over the next three years, I see an exciting horizon for take up the position of CEO of the Buxton International to show it knows how to put South Africa’s golden ensure Cape Town Opera achieved at the highest level in Cape Town Opera - with new , new voices, new Festival. I pay tribute to Michael in a separate farewell; voices on the professional operatic stage worldwide. fulfilling its mission and purpose; brought creativity and stages, and new countries – and look forward to sharing suffice it to say that it was the end of an era during Many thousands of the youngest golden voices are still innovative thinking; created opportunities for young talent it with you. which the Company achieved well-deserved acclaim and in schools all over South Africa and the lucky ones have to grow to ensure the future of opera in Cape Town and recognition at home and abroad as a world class opera an opportunity to be nurtured and coached a little, and SUSAN SMITH South Africa; and established strong relationships with company to be proud of. uplifted and inspired a lot, every year by Cape Town partners, donors and patrons to contribute to Cape Town Opera. This vital education and training development Opera’s growth and sustainability. It was thus, with great purpose, Cape Town Opera work must continue, and must reach further and began a new year and a new era. The Financial, Artistic, Under his energetic leadership and vision he grew the wider because this is where their journey starts to and Youth Development Reports in particular tell Company to what it has become today – a top class be appointed to Cape Town Opera’s Young Artists the story of how staff and singers worked together opera company in South Africa and the world – and left Programme, Cape Town Opera’s Chorus, to sing in Cape to continue singing, training, and engaging with our Cape Town Opera ready for the Company to effect a Town Opera productions and to become a world class supporters, donor-partners and audiences in South transition to an exciting new era. opera singer. Africa and worldwide. My fellow Directors and I warmly On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Company, I acknowledge the dedication and determination that To all our national and international individual Patrons wish to express our sincere appreciation to Michael for his each member of the Company invested in ensuring that and Partners, to the , the Western professionalism, dedication and commitment, his insight Cape Town Opera not only continued, but thrived. Cape Government, Rupert Music Foundation, the and energy during his leadership of Cape Town Opera. National Lotteries Commission, Rand Merchant Bank, We wish Michael all the very best in his new position, knowing that his bond of friendship with Cape Town Opera is strong and enduring. SUSAN SMITH – 9 –

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT

It was a year of change and new activities for Cape to mount Purcell’s baroque opera The Fairy Queen at Awards at Zeitz MOCAA, the Desmond and Leah National Geographic, the Rand Merchant Bank Fund, Town Opera, from leadership to artistic programming the Spier Amphitheatre. We celebrated the centenary Tutu Foundation Peace Lecture, national Japan Day the UK Friends of Cape Town Opera and private and beyond. of Nelson Mandela’s birth with the contemporary in Stellenbosch, the Federal Republic of Germany’s philanthropic trusts. I began working with our Artistic opera Mandela Trilogy at the Artscape Opera House in official delegate visit to Cape Town, and more. Director to solicit new tours for 2019 and beyond, to 2018 marked the departure of a stalwart Cape Town July, and two months later, we staged Donizetti’s Don regain Cape Town Opera’s presence on international Opera leader, Michael Williams. After many years with Three new youth musical productions were created Pasquale with the College of stages, provide our singers with performance the company, Michael vacated the Managing Director with five schools in , Kayamandi and Music. opportunities globally, and to generate revenue for the role for the UK, where he now heads the Buxton Vredenburg: Don Pasquale, Finding David (based company. We were successful in maintaining the same International Festival. His leadership, involvement I was most impressed by our company’s ability to on Tsotsi the Musical) and People of Nyalashishi amount earned income from these tours between as both librettist and director, and obvious love of master kwaito, opera buffa, contemporary music about San and Xhosa cultural traditions. Our Youth 2018 and 2019 and have secured tours for 2020 that opera have left a remarkable legacy, and his continued and explore a baroque masque in Cape Town, then Development and Education department completed will show a 224% increase year-on-year in revenue. cheerleading for South African artists bolsters our jump to South Korea to perform Gershwin’s folk its fourth Western Cape rural choir festival, sponsored Lastly, a four-year repayment plan for loans made in connections to countries around the world. opera in a short period of time. This workshops for SASCE choral training in Cape Town 2017 was formulated and enacted, with first payments musical flexibility, coupled with a strong dedication and George, introduced isiXhosa surtitles for all CTO I took over Cape Town Opera as interim Managing made in 2019. to mastering the complexities of varied repertoire, opera performances, and hosted over 650 youth Director in April, then formally in September 2018, allowed for more Donizetti (Maria Stuarda) and Verdi and hearing-impaired individuals at sign language- Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs Anroux eager to work with our Artistic Director Matthew Wild (Requiem) in the remainder of the season. In and interpreted operas. Monitoring and evaluation showed Marais said “There is no doubt in my mind that [Cape and 35 staff members to chart the way forward. around this was Duruflé, Palestrina and Byrd mixed an average 68% increase in youth participants’ Town Opera’s] success as the only main stage opera We began 2018 with a new musical theatre production with Xhosa, Venda, Zulu and Swahili repertoire with positive assessment of their physical health, academic company in Africa and their considerable value added that had been in the works for two years and which the CTO chorus’ Grace Notes performances. I have no grades, self-confidence and knowledge about arts to society is attributed to sound leadership, and more brought the company in a completely different musical doubt that 2018 provided excellent artistic choices, careers after participation in CTO’s educational specifically astute financial management to allow for direction: Tsotsi the Musical. With the blessing of and something for everyone. projects. the sustainability of their much-needed projects.” To Athol Fugard to rework his novel for the stage, this, I add that it is the undeniably high quality of our CTO responded to calls for concerts from audiences Cape Town Opera’s revenues began a turnaround librettist Mkhululi Mabija and composer Zwai Bala singers, the sound and ethical leadership of our Board that were widespread geographically, artistically and in 2018 after the cancellation of two tours in 2017, created an unforgettable production that showed our of Directors, the dedicated work of our administrators politically: unveiling of the Nelson Mandela statue at which generated a 30% drop in income from the prior company’s ability to adapt their talents to this hip-hop and support of our donors and hosts which make Cape , the United States Independence financial year. Grants and donated income increased and kwaito-infused piece. One month later we headed Town Opera the company that it is today. Day celebrations in Cape Town, the Kennedy Center 11% in 2018, with notable new grants from Naspers, to the University of Stellenbosch, and back 326 years, ELISE BRUNELLE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

LESLEY LIDDLE MARITHA VISAGIE LIZE COETZER MARKETING AND PRODUCTION ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION COMMUNICATIONS

Reflecting on our efforts in 2018, it is The 2018 calendar year was met with much Our Young Artists’ versatility allowed them evident that the video footage produced anticipation by the production team. With to encompass repertoire from the Baroque was impactful in marketing the company, the ever present task of producing large era, various centuries of opera, sacred music reporting to donors and encouraging scale productions amidst budget and staff of European, American and African origin, support of our singers. Our spend on cuts, dwindling expertise and training and musicals and South African music in 2018. video creation quadrupled previous the closing down of other South African Frances du Plessis, Cecilia Rangwanasha and allocations, but has paid dividends in theatre companies, we had our work cut Brittany Smith (sopranos), Ané Pretorius all aspects of our business. This is a out for us. (mezzo soprano), Nkululeko Masuku and powerful tool to convey who CTO is, Never backing down from challenges set, Lunga Hallam (tenors), and Martin Mkhize what we produce, and showcases the we created brand new sets and costumes and Thando Zwane (baritones) were our immense pool of talent we have on for three of the year’s productions: Tsotsi 2018 Young Artists. Frances has since joined board. The Musical, The Fairy Queen and Don the English National Opera Studio (London); Once again we were able to form new Pasquale. Martin joined the Royal Dutch Opera partnerships, and draw new audiences Studio (Amsterdam); Nkululeko was cast in Our team not only worked with talented with topical and celebrated productions ENO’s production of Porgy and Bess, and South African designers such as Michael - Tsotsi the Musical and Mandela Trilogy subsequently pursued postgraduate studies Mitchell, Noluthando Lobese, Kobus and a number of outreach and education at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Rossouw, Neil Coppen and Kirsti Cumming programmes across South Africa. (London). Fleur du Cap Award nominees but also joined forces with creatives from This upward trajectory continued with Brittany and Lunga performed as Norina Zurich and Italy. our performances of Grace Notes at and Ernesto in Don Pasquale, Thando made various venues across the Western Cape The performance spaces ranged from our his debut as Cecil in Maria Stuarda, and (including the Zeitz MoCAA). classic, home town stages of Artscape and Martin, Thando Ané and Frances represented Baxter Theatres, to Spier Amphitheatre South Africa at the International Hans In the last year we have significantly in the neighbouring town of Stellenbosch Gabor Singing Competition in Latvia. increased our online exposure, over a and the multifunctional stage at the Asia period 71% of the visits to our website The 15-member Cape Town Opera chorus Culture Center in Gwangju, South Korea. were new visits and 29% were returning brought their powerful voices to concerts Our sets, audio visuals and costumes visits. Our subscribers’ database is ever and operas at Artscape, Zeitz MOCAA, St transported our audiences across increasing and remains a reliable global George’s Cathedral, the Spier Amphitheatre, continents from the gang ridden streets communication tool for Cape Town Cape Town City Hall – with a one week of Johannesburg, South Africa to the Opera support. Our pool of support and residency of Porgy and Bess in South Korea. “Pulcinella” lined streets of Napoli, Italy. interest increases steadily as we take to 2018 ended with preparations for the over stages in Cape Town, the across South All and all an exhilarating year of innovative 70 performances taking place in six countries Africa and the globe. creativity. in 2019. 1490 69 LEVEL R13.6M 28 26,328 Composers’ music performed: South African learners Performances Paid to South African Arnesen, Bala, Barrett, Beethoven, Bizet, Audience members ONE Bruckner, Byrd, Campbell, Gershwin, participating artists worldwide Handel, Marais, Mascagni, Mbali, in outreach activities Broad-Based Black Mnomiya, Mozart, Nystedt, Palestrina, Economic Pärt, Poulenc, Puccini, Purcell, Ravel, Empowerment Rossini, Schmitt, Schumann, Strauss, Van Dijk, Verdi – 15 –

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Facing a reduced annual budget for 2018, we shied In a deeply moving evening, CTO’s widely-travelled away from large-scale operatic warhorses, putting Mandela Trilogy was revived with a first-rate cast in the focus instead on to new South African works, the Artscape Opera House to celebrate the actual innovative collaborations with young creatives and the day of the Mandela centenary - 18 July 2018. CTO extension of our work with training institutions in the Associate Director Tim Murray led the CPO on electric Western Cape, supplemented by two no-frills stagings form, while Alan Swerdlow’s skillful semi-staging of bel canto classics. retained all the emotion and vibrancy of Michael Williams’ original production. The 2018 season opened in February with the world premiere of Tsotsi the Musical. In their musical theatre We celebrated spring in Cape Town with a mini- debut, writer Mkhululi Mabija and composer Zwai Donizetti festival, with performances of Don Pasquale Bala sought to smash stylistic barriers by melding and Maria Stuarda at the Baxter Theatre and diverse South African musical idioms in their punchy Artscape Opera House respectively. German director adaptation of Athol Fugard’s novella. Co-directors Claudia Blersch returned to Cape Town (following her Neil Coppen and Khayelihle Dom Gumede led an popular La Cenerentola in 2017) and brought a taste exceptional creative team - Thandazile ‘Sonia’ Radebe of both the warmth and the grunge of street life in (choreography), Thando Lobese-Moropa (costume), Naples to her Pasquale, drawing fine acting from Dawid Boverhoff (musical direction), Michael Mitchell singers including guest Bongani Khubeka in the title (set), Kirsti Cummings (video), Janni Younge and role, with dynamic conducting by Daniel Montané. The Craig Leo (puppetry) – to bring a richly imagined and production earned a Fleur du Cap award for Khubeka, textured Soweto to the stage, winning over audiences as well as nominations for Brittany Smith’s Norina and and critics, and earning 7 Fleur du Cap nominations Lunga Hallam’s Ernesto. and 2 Fleur du Cap awards for the production. For Maria Stuarda, conductor Kazem Abdullah made The last weeks of summer saw our first collaboration an auspicious CTO debut, with Violina Anguelov and with the Departments of Music and Drama at Vuvu Mpofu returning to strike sparks off each in the the University of Stellenbosch, with an ambitious roles of the warring queens which they had originally production of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, directed by created in this production in 2015. Alan Swerdlow at the Spier Amphitheatre as part of Abroad, it was a particular joy to tour Christine the annual Woordfees. An erudite multilingual script Crouse’s much-loved Porgy and Bess to Asia for our by award-winning playwright Wessel Pretorius linked South Korean debut at the Asia Cultural Center in the numbers of Purcell’s semi-opera with a witty Gwangju – a performance which was greeted with scenario drawing on A Midsummer Night’s Dream; the great enthusiasm by the Korean press, and by capacity University students taking principal roles were joined audiences. on stage by a chorus of high school learners from schools in the region. MATTHEW WILD ACTIVITIES

H PURCELL THE FAIRY QUEEN 2-5 MARCH STELLENBOSCH Z BALA GRACE NOTES GRACE NOTES TSOTSI THE MUSICAL FINDING DAVID 3 APRIL 6 MAY 8-17 FEBRUARY 13-15 MARCH CAPE TOWN PAARL CAPE TOWN KHAYELITSHA KENNEDY CENTER DON PASQUALE US INDEPENDENCE DAY GOLF DAY FUNDRAISER JAPANESE CELEBRATION CONCERT YOUTH OPERA CONCERT 15 FEBRUARY 17 MARCH 14 APRIL 15 & 18 MAY 20 JUNE PAARL STELLENBOSCH CAPE TOWN VREDENBURG, RETREAT TOKAI

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

ENRIVALE CONCERT HCI FOUNDATION WORLD TRAVEL MARKET FINDING DAVID A PASSION FOR OPERA 23 FEBRUARY CONCERT 18 APRIL 31 MAY 27 JUNE STELLENBOSCH 19 MARCH CAPE TOWN KHAYELITSHA CAPE TOWN CAPE TOWN SASCE WORKSHOP SASCE CONCERT GRACE NOTES 20-21 APRIL 31 MAY 20 MARCH GEORGE CAPE TOWN

GRACE NOTES 27 MARCH WYNBERG

PATRON CONCERT 28 MARCH CAPE TOWN ACTIVITIES

TUTU FOUNDATION CONCERT 8 OCTOBER CAPE TOWN ARTSCAPE CONCERT YOUNG ARTISTS CONCERT 6 NOVEMBER 10 OCTOBER CAPE TOWN LONDON M CAMPBELL & P VAN DIJK G GERSHWIN G VERDI MANDELA TRILOGY PORGY & BESS PEOPLE OF NYALASHISHI REQUIEM: DUET GALA 17 & 18 JULY 7 & 8 SEPTEMBER 10, 11 & 25 OCTOBER 22 NOVEMBER CAPE TOWN GWANGJU KHAYELITSHA, STELLENBOSCH CAPE TOWN

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

CITY OF CAPE TOWN G DONIZETTI CENTRAL KAROO SIMONSIG CONCERT OUDE LIBERTAS PATRON EVENT CONCERT DON PASQUALE CHORAL FESTIVAL 18 OCTOBER CONCERT 5 DECEMBER 24 JULY 21-25 AUGUST 16 SEPTEMBER STELLENBOSCH 28 NOVEMBER STELLENBOSCH CAPE TOWN BEAUFORT WEST STELLENBOSCH HIGHLANDS HOUSE G DONIZETTI 30 OCTOBER VILLAGE MARIA STUARDA CAPE TOWN CONCERT 26 & 29 SEPTEMBER 30 NOVEMBER CAPE TOWN GLOBAL REACH DON PASQUALE Rondebosch MANDELA TRILOGY Cape Town YOUTH OPERA DON PASQUALE Retreat YOUTH OPERA DON PASQUALE Vredenburg GRACE NOTES Paarl GRACE NOTES Wynberg GRACE NOTES Waterfront DAVIDFINDING Khayelitsha THE FAIRY QUEEN Stellenbosch TSOTSI MUSICALTHE Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA

DUET GALA: VERDI’S REQUIEM Cape Town PEOPLE OFNYALASHISHI Stellenbosch &Khayelitsha MARIA STUARDA Cape Town UNITED KINGDOM PORGY AND BESS SOUTH KOREA YOUNG ARTISTS IN CONCERT Gwangju London STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR Michael Williams / Elise Brunelle

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Matthew Wild

FINANCIAL MANAGER Shammy Desai

MARKETING MANAGER Lesley Liddle

HEAD OF PRODUCTION Maritha Visagie

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING MANAGER Melanie Daniels

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATOR & COACH Lize Coetzer

PRODUCER Roy Hunter

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION COORDINATORS Madré Loubser and Masixole Makwetu

CHORUS MASTER Marvin Kernelle

HR ADMINISTRATOR Gerald Peterson

FUNDING ADMINISTRATOR Jade Holmes

VOCAL COACH & REPETITUER Juan Burgers

TECHNICAL SUPPORT & TRANSPORT COORDINATOR Donovan Kleinhans

TRANSPORT COORDINATOR Yaghya Karriem

FUNDRAISING INTERN Marousha Rozenburg

FINANCE INTERN Bouke De Vries

YOUTH DEVELOPMEN EDUCATION INTERN Madeline Sy

EPWP DESIGN ASSISTANT Christiaan Harris

EPWP PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Dian Harcovecchio

EPWP MARKETING INTERN Marinda Jonker

HANZEHOGESCHOOL GRONINGEN INTERNS Stijn Smit, Anneke Wever 24 25

SINGERS

CHORUS YOUNG ARTISTS

SOPRANOS SOPRANOS

Jodie Khan Frances du Plessis

Babongile Manga Cecilia Rangwanasha

Pumza Mxinwa Brittany Smith

Ernestine Stuurman MEZZO-SOPRANO

MEZZO-SOPRANOS Ané Pretorius

Abongile Fumba TENORS

Nonkululeko Nkwinti Lunga Hallam

Danielle Speckman Nkululeko Masuku

TENORS BARITONE

Simphiwe Mayeki Thando Zwane Mthunzi Mbombela

Lula Nqadini

Andile Tshoni

BARITONES & BASSES

Garth Delport

Lindile Kula Jr

Thando Mpushe

Luvo Rasemeni 26 27 GRIPPED, AND BRACING MYSELF FOR MORE DARKNESS AND SUSPENSE, I WAS UPENDED BY THE MOST EBULLIENT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE THAT I’VE HAD IN YEARS. (TSOTSI THE MUSICAL)

NWABISWA MBANA WHATSONINCAPETOWN.COM 28

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION

YDE YOUTH OPERAS & MUSICALS Secondary School, Stellenbosch, and Arts and River High School. The voice lessons Cape Town Opera Culture High School, Khayelitsha. had provided them provided skills in proper breathing and Finding David Music and Lyrics: Mhlanguli George phrasing techniques, accurate diction and pronunciation of Building on the success of Amabali Ethu (Our Stories), Book and Lyrics: Bongani Magatyana the libretti, as well as mental and physical fitness to sing a campaign that saw learners creating their own music Costumes: Rabia Davids with a symphony orchestra. theatre production, Finding David is an exploration of Athol Fugard’s novel Tsotsi that was staged in Khayelitsha DISABILITY ACCESS & FINAL DRESS REHEARSALS As part of our rural choral training program, 60 learners at at Chris Hani Arts & Culture High School and Lathi-Tha Masiphatisane Primary School, located on the West Coast, School of Special Skills. These learners from both schools In 2018, a total of 2185 learners, elderly patrons and received choral training from conductor Siviwe Stofile, performed a gritty, yet moving story of David, a violent hearing-impaired individuals attended final dress rehearsals supported by education coordinator Sebastian Zokoza. gangster whose life changed after he accidently stole a of Cape Town Opera’s productions of Tsotsi the Musical, The Learners from this school won two pieces at regional SASCE baby. Fairy Queen, Don Pasquale and Maria Stuarda. For the first competition and went through to the provincial eliminations Directors: Thando Doni and Mhlanguli George time in our company’s history, the surtitles were provided in held in Cape Town. Musical Directors: Anelise Xapa and Bongani Magatyana both English and isiXhosa, resulting in a significant increase Designer: Christiaan Harris in engagement from our isiXhosa speaking learners and From the end of July, a series of choral, performing arts and teachers. The hearing-impaired learners were provided with fundraising administration workshops were hosted in rural Don Pasquale sign-language interpretation throughout the rehearsals. We communities by the Western Cape Department of Cultural A total of 70 learners from Masiphatisane Primary School, want to ensure that there is an opera audience for the years Affairs and Sport in partnership with Cape Town Opera Vredenburg, and St. Mary’s Primary School, Retreat, and to come and are working hard to make this genre inclusive and the Western Cape Choral Music Association. These Cape Town Opera singers staged this abbreviated version of and accessible to all. workshops were part of rural choral development in the Donizetti’s comic opera in the two schools. Western Cape province, as a mandate from the provincial Director: Christine Crouse CHORAL TRAINING government. The aim of the workshops was to provide Musical Director: Juan Burgers inclusive music education, bringing diverse community Choreographer: Luthando Tsodo Cape Town Opera singers, accompanied by Juan members together and celebrating the centenary of both Designer: Christiaan Harris Burgers and facilitated by Thato Machona, taught voice Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu. Along with the workshops from April through June to high school learners administrative workshops, we coached over 200 singers People of Nyalashishi participating in the South African Choral Eistedfodd from the municipalities of Laingsburg, Prince Albert and This newly-commissioned story was written to explore how (SASCE)/ABC MOTSEPE competition. Learners worked Beaufort West, culminating into the Central Karoo Choral San and Xhosa communities confront the environmental through the prescribed repertoire in these dynamic vocal Festival in September. devastation of drought in their communities. The two bootcamps in Cape Town and the Eden District, which cultures eventually merge to become one, preserving their prepared them for the regional, provincial and national MADRÉ LOUBSER AND MASIXOLE MAKWETU identities and traditions while recognizing the importance of competitions. Four learners succeeded to perform in the how human beings must co-exist with nature. This riveting national competition in Johannesburg: a trio from Makupula story was brought to life by the learners of Makupula High School, Stellenbosch, and a baritone from Elsies – 30 –

DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mrs Susan Smith Mr Africa Melane Ms Elise Brunelle Mr Conroy Cupido Prof Virginia Davids Adv Willie Duminy CHAIRPERSON VICE CHAIRPERSON MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER (SC) MEMBER

Mr Derek Gosen Mr Francois-Jacques Ms Carien Ras Prof Enrico Uliana Mr Michael Williams MEMBER Malan MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER

ENDOWMENT TRUSTEES UK FRIENDS OF CAPE TOWN OPERA TRUSTEES

Mrs Wendy Ackerman Lady (Mary) Hatch, Chairperson Adv Willie Duminy (SC) Mr Ivan G Fallon Mr Andrew Ovenstone Mr Niall Gallagher Ms Aviva Pelham Mr Peter Rogan Ms Carien Ras Mrs Susan Smith Mrs Susan Smith Mr Martin Campbell-White – 33 –

FINANCIALS DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The directors have pleasure in submitting their report on Altogether, grants and contributions from over 110 local strategic plan toward financial security, and the company 2. DIRECTORS the annual financial statements of The Cape Town Opera and international patrons, trusts, foundations, corporate has secured sufficient loans and new grant sources to Company NPC for the year ended 31 December 2018. and government entities provided 72% of the company’s continue operations in 2019. The company diversified its The directors in office at during the period under review is as income for the year under review. The remaining income source of donated funds, and has secured new touring follows: 1. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES was derived from local box office income and programme projects through 2021 which speak directly to re-establishing sales (7%) and production sponsorships and international the company’s sustainability. SM Smith, Chairperson Main business and operations: the company continued touring fees (21%). Generous grants from the National A Melane, Vice Chairperson to promote and develop opera, with 68 full and concert Lotteries Commission and the Western Cape Government Excluding project-specific National Lotteries grants, E Brunelle (appointed 1 May 2018) performances taking place in Cape Town, its surrounds Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport remain the donated income from government, corporate, trust and CA Cupido (appointed 12 December 2018) and around the world. The company toured internationally principal sources of government funding. foundations grew by 12% from the prior financial year. VC Davids with productions and concerts to South Korea and the UK, Aggregate operating expenses reduced by 26% due primarily WRE Duminy as well in South Africa. The directors are pleased with the A major portion of revenue is utilized to fund the cost of to the reduction in full time staff as part of company DG Goosen company’s performance standard overall, the investment opera productions, which include in their casts singers of restructuring; non-employee costs grew by 8% from the FJ Malan in new, local productions and the diversity and geographic the Vocal Ensemble chorus and the Young Artists program. prior financial year. CM Ras (appointed 12 December 2018) reach of overseas tours that took place during the period Participation in these productions form an indispensable EO Uliana (resigned 14 April 2018) under review. part of the training, development and education of the CTO developed a new international relationship with MR Williams (resigned 30 April 2018) singers. opera companies in South Korea, and ties with the United 2018 marked a change in senior management of the Kingdom remained strong via the company’s affiliated company: after 28 years with Cape Town Opera, Managing Cost of sales (productions) decreased by 55% from 2017 charitable trust, the UK Friends of Cape Town Opera. Director Michael Williams stepped down. Elise Brunelle, the to 2018, due to significantly fewer international touring In conjunction with local operations, these relationships company’s Financial Manager since 2005, was appointed productions in 2018, as well as a reduction in quantity of contributed to the development and growth of the staff, as the new Managing Director after a six month search performances taking place in the Artscape Opera House (16 provided international exposure for CTO’s productions and and vetting process. The start of the year also concluded a in 2017 vs 4 in 2018). This also resulted in a 30% decrease of resulted in employment for 154 South African artists and significant reduction in the full time staff compliment, part production sponsorship and touring fee income, and local performers, and business for 134 companies during the year. of the company’s restructuring process. box office sales. Historically, touring fees are the primary financial underwriters of the company’s local productions, The operating results and state of affairs of the company Widespread outreach and educational initiatives were and a reduction in this source of income results in a are fully set out in the annual financial statements and do launched and completed in Western Cape and other reduction of local performances. not required any further comment. communities nationwide, attended by over 4970 learners. The company’s educational work in community schools The 2017 cancellation of two major international tours, Net loss of the company in the 12 months ending 31 provides music training at no cost to beneficiaries at rural as noted in the prior audited financial statement report, December 2017 was R2,266,265. and government schools. continues to have a knock-on financial effect. 2018 marks the first of a four year restructuring period and new – 34 – – 35 –

FINANCIAL MANAGER’S REPORT The Cape Town Opera Company NPC (Registration number 1999/017712/08) At the end of 2017, with financial challenges stemming Annual Financial Statements for the 12 months ended STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS from tour cancellations, our company focused on five 31 December 2018 2018 2017 areas to regain fiscal and operational health: training R R young singers (as they are the core of our business), STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CASH FLOWS FROM -1,678,251 -625,384 securing new touring hosts (to regain our international 2018 2017 2018 2017 OPERATING ACTIVITIES market footprint and generate revenue), mounting cost- R R R R Interest income 121,544 171,533 effective productions at home, and a more conservative ASSETS Revenue 20,846,737 31,268,288 risk management plan. NET CASH FROM OPERATING -1,556,707 -453,851 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Cost of sales -9,999,060 -18,243,759 ACTIVITIES Our 2018 audited financials show a start towards Property, plant and equipment 7,276,379 7,974,913 GROSS PROFIT 10,847,677 13,024,529 renewed stability: compared to the prior financial year, the loss for the year improved by 18%, operating CASH FLOWS FROM expenses reduced by 35% and revenue generated CURRENT ASSETS Other income - 1,961,860 INVESTING ACTIVITIES independent of international touring and partnerships Trade and other receivables 147,056 234,106 Operating expenses -13,235,486 -17,838,481 Purchase of property, plant and -1,713,034 -3,628,910 (ie donated income, local box office) increased by 30%. equipment Cash and cash equivalents 1,598,837 4,568,578 OPERATING PROFIT -2,387,809 -2,852,092 Looking forward to 2019, increased and diversified 1,745,893 4,802,684 Sale of property, plant and equip- - 100,000 international touring to the UK, Netherlands and ment Germany will improve these figures, as will financial TOTAL ASSETS 9,022,272 12,777,597 Investment revenue 121,544 171,533 NET CASH USED IN -1,713,034 -3,528,910 commitments from new philanthropic donors. PROFIT FOR THE YEAR -2,266,265 -2,680,559 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Our local operas were mounted in a cost-effective EQUITY AND LIABILITIES manner. We produced Mandela Trilogy and Maria STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY EQUITY CASH FLOWS FROM Stuarda as semi-staged; partnered with the University ACCUMULATED TOTAL FINANCING ACTIVITIES of Stellenbosch and Woordfees to mount The Fairy Accumulated surplus / (deficit) 2,231,955 4,498,220 SURPLUS / EQUITY Movement on other financial 300,000 4,300,000 Queen, who provided venue and financial support; and (DEFICIT) liabilities utilized our annual UCT/CTO collaboration, with its Balance at 7,178,779 7,178,779 related resources (orchestra and financial support), to LIABILITIES NET CASH FROM (USED IN) 300,000 4,300,000 01 January 2017 CURRENT LIABILITIES FINANCING ACTIVITIES produce the new 2018 mainstage opera, Don Pasquale. Loss for the Year -2,680,559 -2,680,559 CTO’s smaller-scale, and more diversified performance Trade and other payables 571,517 2,360,577 Balance at 4,498,220 4,498,220 groups of the chorus and Young Artists allowed us to Other financial liabilities 1,450,000 - 01 January 2018 Total cash movement for the year -2,969,741 317,239 rely less on ad hoc singers and artists. We are heading 6,790,317 8,279,377 into 2019 towards greater financial health, with a four Profit for the Year -2,266,265 -2,266,265 Cash at the beginning of the year 4,568,578 4,251,339 TOTAL EQUITY AND 9,022,272 12,777,597 year plan to reduce accumulated financial liabilities to Balance as at 2,231,955 2,231,955 TOTAL CASH AT END OF 1,598,837 4,568,578 LIABILITIES zero, and a renewed and invigorated staff. 31 December 2018 FINANCIAL PERIOD SHAMEEMA DESAI – 36 – – 37 –

FUNDERS AND SPONSORS

GOVERNMENT CORPORATES

TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS

Chiappini Opera Trust, Lorenzo and Stella Chiappini Charitable Trust, The Davis Foundation, Fondacion Alta Mane, Kirsh Family Foundation, Joan St Leger Lindbergh Charitable Trust, Mauerberger Foundation, Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation, Rupert Music Foundation, Philip Schock Charitable Foundation, The Susman Charitable Trust, UK Friends of Cape Town Opera SPONSORS ah! Guest House, Belmond Mount Nelson, Bernadette Washer, Bidvest, Century City Hotel, Colin van Wyk Optometrists, Compagniesdrift Wines, Creation Wines, Cucina Di Giovanni, De Brasserie PARTNERS Eikendal Wine Estate Stellenbosch, Erinvale Golf Club, Falcon View Manor, Formeset Printers, Graham Beck Wines, Hard to Find Wines UK, Henri’s Restaurant, Ina Paarman Foods, Jeanette Hogg, Jonathan Ball Publishers, Kurland Spa - Knysna, Land Rover City, Lemberg Wine Estate, Mantelli’s, Morgen- ster Wines Stellenbosch, Musikhaus W Heuer, Nitida Wines, Oceans 8, Pam Golding Properties, Party Dance Factory, Austrian Consulate General in Cape Town, Australian High Commission in Pretoria, Décor Hire, Paperjet Print, Pearl Valley Golf Estate & Val De Vie, Pick n Pay, Porcupine Ceramics, Ray- Baxter Theatre, Camerata Tinta Barocca, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany mond Ackerman Golf Academy, Sue Williamson, Salt at Paul Cluver, Sanders South Africa, Saxenburg in Cape Town, Consulate of Italy in Cape Town, Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria, Herzklopfen Wines, Sensai, Simonsig Wines, Soul Beauty Therapy, Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel, Spar Cape Quarter, Veranstaltungsgesellscaft, Nienburg-Neustadt Rotary Club, Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater-Inisiatief, Steffanie’s Place, Taunina, The Wines of Jordan Stellenbosch, Westin Hotel, Whalesong Hotel University of Stellenbosch, Woordfees PATRONS & BEQUESTS

PLATINUM Mr Denis & Mrs Mary Anne Le Jeune Hon Judge Tim Pontius Anonymous Mr Hartmut & Mrs Marietjie Nowak Mr Wolfgang Schmitz Mr Raymond & Mrs Wendy Ackerman Ms Carien Ras Mr James B Sherwood Mr Martin Campbell-White Mrs Lynn Sargeant Mr Robert Silbermann Cape Union Mart Mr Edward Saunders Mr George & Mrs Susan Smith Mr Laurence & Mrs Rita Chiappini Mr Nick Segal & Ms Genevieve Muinzer Mr Mike & Mrs Gail Strong Lady (Sally) Graaff That’s Travel - Mr Thomas Bauerkämper & Ms Lesley Sutherland Lady (Mary) Hatch Mr Haakon Fritzsche Mr Kerry Underwood Mr Martin & Mrs Birgit Hess Mr Bill Van Rensburg Mrs Eleonore Van Der Horst Mr Helmut & Mrs Gerda Jung Mr Henk Van Der Tak Mr Tom & Mrs Helga Lewis BRONZE Prof Laetitia Van Dyk Mr Ronnie & Mrs Rhona Lubner Anonymous Prof Rian Viviers Mr Hoosein Mahomed Mr Mervyn & Mrs Helen Bradlow Ms Xanthe Williams Mr Jerome O’Regan Mr Nicholas & Mrs Carol Brigstocke Mrs Melanie Williss Mrs Aviva Pelham Mr Stephen & Mrs Doreen Cannon Mr Allister Rogan Mr Robin Crawford ADDITIONAL Mr JJM (Boetie) & Mrs Caroline Van Zyl Ms Emma Jean Davis Mr Roger Battersby Dr Álvaro de la Cruz-Dombriz & Ms Emma Ms Cecilia Cadbury GOLD Bentley Mr Du Plessis Dame Linda Dobbs DBE Mr Pim Den Hartog Mr Ivan Katzan Mr Niall & Mrs Rosemarie Gallagher Dr Lothar & Mrs Ursula Ehrhardt Ms Ruth Rosen The Levy Rifkind Family Charity Mr Geoff & Mrs Rosemarie Evans Mr Robert & Mrs Caroline Scallon Mr Graham & Mrs Bunty Money Mr Ivan & Mrs Liz Fallon Mr H Subayik Mr Peter & Mrs Lorna Rogan Mr Pierangelo & Mrs Rosy Fornara Sanders South Africa Mr John & Mrs Anne Field BEQUESTS Mr Peter & Mrs Uschi Stuart Sir Alan & Lady Gillian Grose Mr Holger Arndt Mr Andrew Hadik SILVER Mr Reimer Holst & Uwe Wittfeld Mr Simon Avery Ms Yvonne Horsfall-Turner Mr Michael Collett Mrs Catherine Lomberg Mr Keith Doig Mr Francois Marais Dr Franca Falanga Ms Sarah Masters The Harley Charitable Trust Mr Chris & Mrs Annie Mostert Mr Nick & Mrs Stephanie Harley Mr Martin Nicol Countess Sylvia Labia Dr Tony & Mrs Vicki Norcliffe 1-10 DF MALAN ST, CAPE TOWN 8001 PO BOX 4107, CAPE TOWN 8000 SOUTH AFRICA

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