Allegra Bernacchioni / Reviżjonijiet

While there are three mini-operas within the SHORTS programme, this reviews centres around two of them: LA VOIX HUMANE and THE IMPRESARIO. Over the last couple of years, I have been lucky enough to attend various operas staged in Cape Town. They are magnificent: grand and opulent – but they usually have short, sold-out runs and can be on the pricier side, which might make it difficult for newbies to dabble in opera-going. Thus, when I heard that I was to review, SHORTS – A FESTIVAL OF POCKET OPERAS, presented by Cape Town Opera, it seemed the perfect opportunity to introduce an opera-virgin friend of mine to the world of arias, vibrato, and supertitles. And indeed it was: the festival is a treat for both new and seasoned patrons.