Cape Town OPera Archives - Albert Combrink

Khanyiso Gwenxane – from Khayelitsha to the World Stage

Albert Combrink2013-12-16T13:24:46+02:00

Khanyiso Gwenxane

Khanyiso’s story is one of those that shows the current artistic system in our country at work, in all its strengths and weaknesses. He was born and raised in the township Khayelitsha. Even 20 years into South African democratic rule, the name conjures up images of poverty, apartheid-legacy living conditions and vast expanses of living conditions that are still an embarrassment to local and national government.

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Khanyiso Gwenxane – from Khayelitsha to the World StageAlbert Combrink2013-12-16T13:24:46+02:00

Cape Town Opera’s 2013 production of “Otello” – some personal reflections.

Albert Combrink2013-04-14T19:31:54+02:00

OTELLO – THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DOWNRIGHT UGLY – a good-natured rebuttal

Some interesting debates around the recent “Otello” prompt me to break my rule about “reviewing” friends and colleagues and rivals in the same industry. I was struck by how different the perception of a performance can be. Every one has their own opinion and that’s the beauty of it, and I for one, love the dialogues that ensue. So, herewith my humble take on the production.

As a performing musician, I no longer go to a performance to encounter it in some “pristine” condition. I do not believe [read more…]

Cape Town Opera’s 2013 production of “Otello” – some personal reflections.Albert Combrink2013-04-14T19:31:54+02:00

Heggie Songs in Recital with Judith Kellock (Soprano) and Albert Combrink (Piano)

Albert Combrink2009-07-24T20:55:07+02:00

“Dead Man Walking”, Jake Heggie’s first opera, received international acclaim and has been performed in many opera houses internationally, including the New York City Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, and others. It will make its Cape Town debut on October 16, 22 and 24 (PG 16N) in a production by Cape Town Opera. Heggie has written over 150 songs, and American Soprano Judith Kellock and I will be performing some of these in a recital entitled “Paper Wings” at the Baxter Concert Hall, Monday 3 August at 13h00. [read more…]

Heggie Songs in Recital with Judith Kellock (Soprano) and Albert Combrink (Piano)Albert Combrink2009-07-24T20:55:07+02:00

Rossini’s “La Scala di Seta”: meet the players

Albert Combrink2009-06-08T20:59:35+02:00

I have been a repetiteur for many productions, from Operas to Musicals to Cabarets. But I have enjoyed few of them as much as this production conducted by Alex Fokkens and directed by Lara Bye. The story is delightfully funny and charming. A young couple are in love and already secretly married, and this becomes the engine that drives the farce. I think it is a real “Closet-Opera”: there is always at least one closet on the stage, with always at least one person hiding in [read more…]

Rossini’s “La Scala di Seta”: meet the playersAlbert Combrink2009-06-08T20:59:35+02:00

Dangerous Liaisons – Albert Combrink talks to Sunnyboy Dladla

Albert Combrink2009-05-25T20:46:39+02:00

The tenor who was almost a nurse

DANGEROUS LIAISONS: Bel Canto Arias and Duets of Love & Intrigue

Beau Soleil Music School
12 Salisbury Rd, Kenilworth
Adults R50, Children R20
SUNDAY 31 MAY 5pm

I love listening to Sunnyboy’s voice. It is a clear and bright sound that goes up and down the scale without sounding tight, tense or pinched. He can reach those stratospheric high notes that are so thrilling in operatic music. Sunnyboy sounds young and fresh, no wobble in sight, without any of the suicidal gasps and chest-beating one expects [read more…]

Dangerous Liaisons – Albert Combrink talks to Sunnyboy DladlaAlbert Combrink2009-05-25T20:46:39+02:00