HEAD of the UCT Opera School, Dr Angelo Gobbato, is directing an opera billed as one of the most exotic and sensual ever written.

Gobbato is in charge of Georges Bizet's The Pearl Fishers ("Les Pecheurs de Perles"), which is sponsored by the Friends of Cape Town Opera and will showcase some of South Africa's most exciting young voices.

Bizet's opera of sensual desire tells a tale of two men who affirm their friendship after a rivalry for the same woman almost destroys them both. When she comes back into their lives betrayal and passion rule, turning friend against friend and pushing them all toward a terrifying climax of violence. The opera will be sung in French, with projected English subtitles.

All performances will be preceded by a brief 45-minute talk by Gobbato. On November 17, the Friends of Cape Town Opera presented a lecture demonstration where the conductor, director and some of the singers were present.

Tickets can bought at Computicket and Dial-a-Seat, and for more information about the lectures contact Pat MacDonald at (021) 531-8261.

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