The Black Tie Ensemble

Ritrovo is very proud to have been involved with VOISS (Vocal and Opera One Stop Shop) and its opera company better known as the Black Tie Ensemble since its inception 10 years ago. As a principal sponsor of VOISS alongside such fantastic companies as Royal Bafokeng Holdings and SAPPI, we host Charity Gala opera evenings on the first Wednesday of the month starting at 7.30 p.m. to raise funds for the company. Booking is absolutely essential and the cost of the evening is R350.00 per head. This includes a welcoming drink, a beautiful concert performance with an always varying repertoire  followed by a sumptuous three-course meal prepared by the motivated team of chefs served with estate wines of exeptional quality. The event is always a highlight of Ritrovo's monthly calender.

If you are an opera lover, you will be seduced after your first visit. Instead of sitting in an auditorium, you are almost within touching distance of the most incredible vocal talent that South Africa has to offer. You will not be left unmoved.

Ritrovo originated the "Adopt an Artist" scheme in 2000 whereby individuals or companies can make a monthly contribution towards the education and transport of a deserving artist, and this will be credited next to the artist's name for any performances throughout the year on programmes or publicity. The artist will also perform free at one concert or event of the patron's choosing in the year.

Please contact us, let us know that you are interested, and we will follow up with you personally.

In order to give you a better idea of what they do, the following excerpt from their web site:

The Black Tie Ensemble is a leading South African opera company, founded in 1999 by legendary South African diva, Mimi Coertse, along with renowned opera director and costume designer, Neels Hansen. Based in the South African State Theatre in Pretoria, the Ensemble is managed by Arnold Cloete, with acclaimed repetiteur Susan Steenkamp-Swanepoel acting as senior coach and repetiteur to the singers. The Ensemble has successfully staged numerous opera seasons, in collaboration with a number of generous sponsors.

Amongst the ranks of the Ensemble members, some of South Africa's most beautiful voices can be found. In addition, the Black Tie Ensemble Incubator Scheme was established to train young singers who have the potential of making a career out of opera, singers who may not otherwise have the resources necessary to pursue a formal musical education. All our singers' talents are nurtured by a group of some of the country's leading vocal teachers, music tutors, and acting and movement lecturers. These efforts are supported by the training of a group of technical incubators, providing them with the necessary skills to conceptualize, design, stage and manage a full-scale opera production.

More recently, The Black Tie Opera Chorus came into existence. This is a large chorus of trained singers who serve the function of a professional opera chorus in all Black Tie productions requiring a chorus, although it also functions as a separate performing entity.

As part of our ongoing opera education and outreach initiative, we do numerous schools tours to introduce children to the magical world of opera, alternatively inviting schools to join us at the theatre. The Black Tie Ensemble is a true investment in the future!