World premiere staging of Dalinda, the ‘Lost Opera’ to be performed in Cape Town

Opera UCT will present the world premiere of Gaetano Donizetti's long-lost opera, “Dalinda”, at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town from 4 - 8 September 2024.

This marks the first full performance of the opera, which was rediscovered in 2019 and meticulously reconstructed.

Initially believed to be another version of Donizetti's “Lucrezia Borgia”, the score revealed that “Dalinda” is an original work.

The opera, composed in 1838, faced censorship in Naples, leading to the loss of its manuscript.

Although a concert version was performed in Berlin in 2023, the Opera UCT production under Jeremy Silver's direction is the first fully staged performance.

Silver, recognised globally for conducting lesser-known Donizetti works, expressed his excitement:

"We are incredibly excited and deeply grateful to have been selected to present the first full staging of Donizetti's “Dalinda”. This performance is not only an honour for us as an opera company but for the country too."

In a bid to cultivate a new generation of opera lovers, Opera UCT will offer free seating to all under-18s.

Silver hopes this initiative will encourage a broader appreciation for opera. “Dalinda” explores themes of truth, the tension between public and private life, and the consequences of our choices, making it a relevant story for today's audience.

The production will feature a stellar cast, including Molly Dzangare, Luvo Maranti, and Violina Anguelov, alongside the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

Italian director William Costabile Cisco, Bulgarian costume designer Leticia Parvoleta Ivanova, and veteran set designer Michael Mitchell will bring the opera to life.

Tickets for this historic premiere are expected to sell quickly. For ticket information, visit Webtickets or contact the Baxter Theatre Box Office.

IOL Entertainment is giving away 3 sets of double tickets to the event.

To enter complete the entry form below:

Event Details of the world premiere staging of Gaetano Donizetti's "Dalinda"

When: September 4-8, 2024

Where: Baxter Theatre, Cape Town, South Africa

Cost: Tickets vary in price from R100 – R500. Under 18s will be able to see this important work for free.

Tickets: Available at Webtickets or from the Baxter Theatre Box Office on Mondays - Fridays 10:00 - 19:00 and Saturdays 12:00 - 19:00.

IOL Entertainment