Previously known as the Black Tie Ensemble, this dynamic opera company was rebranded in 2013 with a fresh new energy and vision – and has now made the move to the buzzing urban arts hub of Johannesburg’s inner city.

Says Gauteng Opera CEO, Marcus Desando: “Our soloists and ensemble can’t wait to introduce our repertoire of opera classics and contemporary standards to Joburg audiences for the very first time since we relocated from Pretoria. It’s particularly exciting for us at Gauteng Opera to have this opportunity to develop new audiences for opera and fine music.”

Forté in Concert will be a lively, spirited family affair. It will feature Forté soloists Khumbuzile Dhlamini, Phenye Modiane and Kagiso Boroko, with guest appearances by the Gauteng Opera choral ensemble and Gauteng Opera chamber band and conducted by Eddie Clayton.

Audiences can expect a mixed bag of musical treats, ranging from stirring South African and African standards such as Paradise Road, African Dream, Malaika, Weeping and Wa thula nje to popular favourites such as Andrea Bocelli’s Canto della terra and Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up and Gira con me.

Come and bask in the exquisite vocal power of some of the country’s most gifted singers. Forté in Concert takes place at the Linder Auditorium, Parktown for one night only on Friday, 6 March at 20:00.

Tickets cost R150, R200 and R250 and are available at Computicket: one can phone 011 340 8000 or book online at www.computicket.com. Discounts are available for students, pensioners and block bookings of 10 or more.

For more information on Forté in Concert as well as the Gauteng Opera, visit www.gautengopera.org. Alternatively, visit and like Gauteng Opera’s Facebook page and follow them on Twitter using the hashtag, #GOforte.