The well-known Gauteng operatic troupe, the Black Tie Ensemble, has changed its name, although one wonders why.
The group, which presents easy classics at accessible venues, mostly in Pretoria, is now called BTE VO1SS. Part of the new name is obviously an acronym of the original and the rest refers to its take on vocal classics — it is a “one-stop shop for vocal opera classics”. Their first Sunday morning concert of 2012, Evolve, will include arias, duets and trios from Don Giovanni, Faust, Don Pasquale, La traviata, Le nozze di Figaro and Tannhäuser. Their new repertoire promises “to mesmerise the audience”.
Drama Theatre, State Theatre, Pretoria, on February 26 at 11am. Ticket prices are R80, and R60 for pensioners. Cake and coffee included. Book at Computicket. Tel: 012?322?7944.