Anyone for Opera?

Cinema Nouveau have for several years screened a programme of live HD recordings of the internationally renowned New York Metropolitan Opera's season.  Starting towards the end of the year and continuing into the first part of the following year, an opera is screened each month.  Both the well known time honoured favourites such as La Boheme and Tosca as well as lesser known but equally entertaining productions are recorded.  Featuring magnificent props, sumptuous costumes and mega stars, the programme usually consists of 12 varied and vibrant operas.
An entire performance is recorded live, including the intervals, so the impression is being part of the actual performance.  Being filmed in High Definition enhances the clarity of the film while close ups of the singers and the orchestra reveals gestures and nuances not normally seen by the audience.  Cannot follow the Italian, German or French singing?  Not a problem.  English sub titles allow the audience to follow and understand what is being sung.
Adding to the overall enjoyment are interviews conducted with stage managers, costume designers, conductors and the stars.  Even if you are not "into opera", a visit to one (or more) of the New York Mets performances is an experience not to be missed.



www.sterkinekor.com  

The Johannesburg Philharmonic - a World Class Orchestra

With the advent of the democratically elected government in 1994, funding for various orchestras such as the SABC and National Symphony Orchestra dried up and the doomsayers outdid themselves in proclaiming "the end is nigh" and  "A society is judged by its culture" clearly implying that classical music, museums and the like were heading for extinction.  
Instead, what do we have but a bewildering array of concerts, operas, ballet, soirees and other performances.
Leading the charge is the highly professional JPO which features four "seasons" a year each consisting of several weekly performances repeated on two evenings as well as special events.  The programmes are varied innovative and usually feature top international guest conductors and solo musicians.  Performances are held at the acoustically excellent Linder Auditorium in Parktown North some 15 minutes south of Sandton (by car).

Details of the JPO and the programme can be obtained by calling +27 11 789 2733 or on the web at www.jpo.co.za

A Market with a Difference

"I would like to buy everything on display, pack it in containers and ship it back home to Dublin to sell because there is nothing like this at home" said an Irish friend of ours when visiting the Bryanston Organic Market.  And it continues to be one of the "must visit" destinations for our overseas visitors.
Situated in the grounds of the Michael Mount Waldorf School, the open air market was started over 30 years ago as a fund raising venture (which it still is).  A high proportion of the school parents have Continental roots and this is reflected in the amazing variety of high quality handcrafted goods. Food produce is natural (the "Organic" in the title) and covers the gamut from vegetables to cheeses, breads, honey and coffee beans. Need an unusual and unique gift: the range of crafts are too numerous to mention but include leatherwork, pottery, jewellery, curios, clothing, photography and many more.
And when your feet are sore and your stomach empty, there are a variety of eateries to chose from offering coffee, pastries, light meals and pizza's. Live music can be enjoyed while sitting under the trees at the Photosynthesis Tea Garden. The Not To Be Missed Moonlight Markets complete with Christmas Carols are held each Tuesday evening starting in late November through December.  In 2013, the Moonlight Market starts on Tuesday 12th November and continue each Tuesday until Christmas. 


The Market is open from 9.00am until 3.00pm each Thursday and Saturday while the Moonlight Markets start at approximately 5.00pm and continue until about 10.00pm (check the website).

http://www.bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za/