A varied and entertaining mix of opera classics and modern pop songs will feature in a musical show at Harare's Reps Theatre next week, when Thailand's first pop opera ensemble, Viva, takes to the stage.
Viva is made up of three male and two female singers, all of them from Thailand and each set to become increasingly popular there and in other countries for their unique music mix and style. The men are made up of a tenor and two baritones, while the women are both sopranos.
They are being brought to Zimbabwe by South African impresario Colin Law, who previously brought entertainers to Zimbabwe during the 1990s and is now keen to get a range of regional and international performers coming back to the country.
He and conductor Mark Cheyne have assembled a singing group from what they describe as the cream of Thai talent, and they are now undertaking their first Southern African tour. The Viva team made their debut in Bangkok in December last year and have performed widely since, including performances on television in Thailand.
Colin Law is delighted to be bringing entertainers back to Zimbabwe. "It is an honour to bring shows to Harare, and especially to Reps Theatre, where many successful careers have started and where many successful shows have been staged," he said.
The selection of songs for their two-performance Harare show includes operatic classics such as Ave Maria, Nessun Dorma and Funiculi Funicula, as well as modern pop successes such as Unchained Melody, You Raise Me Up and My Heart Will Go On.
"If this is successful, we shall be bring more shows to Harare and what is additionally beneficial is that these performers will be hosting workshops for young Zimbabwean performers, to provide an input into the development of local entertainment talent," said Mr Law.
The next show is already planned for early June, when a swing band will be coming to Harare, also to perform a in a short run at Reps Theatre. Performances of the two shows have been approved by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
Viva will run for only two performances - Tuesday May 31 and Wednesday June 1 (both 7pm). Booking is now open for these at The Spotlight, and the show is recommended as being highly suitable for family audiences.
ends
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