Aria! Opera for Everyone extended until 2015

Stéfan Louw was proud to tell the Record that his own production, Aria! Opera for Everyone, will be back for two more seasons at the Roodepoort Theatre until 2015.

Tenor Stéfan Louw decided to start producing his own opera concerts as an independent producer in 2010, and says that it has presented its difficulties.

“Opera is a tough industry to be in.

“I don’t think the public realises what goes on behind the curtains to produce a successful show.

“As an independent producer I use my own funds to rent the theatre and not all concerts yield the same revenue, which sometimes means that I pay cast members from my own pocket.”

Louw says that he plans to prevail despite the difficulties, and apparently has been successful to date, managing to bring back his show to the Roodepoort Theatre for two more seasons. He wants to develop a stable opera audience in Gauteng and to ensure that full, beautifully orchestrated opera productions are back on stage at the Roodepoort Theatre.

Louw launched his own Youth Audience Development Programme for Opera in April this year. He says that the idea for the programme came about when a patron purchased 10 tickets to hand out specifically to previously disadvantaged individuals.

“I will continue this project at all future concerts because not only does it work towards a new generation of opera audiences but it sparks interest in opera, which can yield future opera stars for the art form.”

Louw’s plans are to stage a full opera with a complete orchestra by December 2015.

“I need to decide which opera and then start to secure funding for the project.”

Louw plans to set up auditions for the 2015 shows by the end of the year.

The next Aria! Opera for Everyone show will feature baritone Aubrey Lodewyk on Friday 4 October at 8 pm. Tickets are available at Computicket.