BTE-VO1SS will present the first of its monthly 'Adopt an Artist Dinner Concerts' for 2012 at Ristorante Ritrovo on Wednesday, 1 February. Better known as The Black Tie Ensemble, BTE had to close down at the end of 2011 due to financial constraints. The name BTE-VO1SS is derived from Black Tie Ensemble (BTE) and Vocal Opera One (1) Stop Shop (VO1SS).

During this first concert patrons will experience the new voices of VO1SS, with a programme consisting of highlights from the world of opera, musicals and popular songs.

These dinner concerts at Ristorante Ritrovo, Pretoria’s top five star Italian restaurant, were initiated as the first regular event to raise funds for The Black Tie Ensemble (BTE) where patrons can socialise with artists during the interval or after the concert. They would also have the opportunity to 'adopt' an artist, for a minimal monthly fee. These fees are used to assist the artist with housing in close proximity of the South African State Theatre. Ristorante Ritrovo will donate all the profits generated by these evenings to the continuing development programme of BTE-VO1SS.

Four VO1SS artists will take part in this concert. Three of these artists will be making their début at Ristorante Ritrovo. The artists are: Caroline Nkwe (soprano), Brenda Thulo (soprano), Phenye Modiane (tenor) and Christorpher Vale (baritone). The concerts are followed by a three-course meal accompanied by estate wines.

Susan Steenkamp-Swanepoel, Coach of BTE-VO1SS, will accompany the singers.

Included in the programme are:

- 'Hai gia vinta la causa!' from Le Nozze di Figaro by Wolfgang A Mozart - Christopher Vale ;

- 'Chi bel sogno' from La Rondine by Giacomo Puccini - Caroline Nkwe;

- 'De miei bollenti spiriti from La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi - Phenye Modiane;

- 'Donde lieta usci from' La Bohéme by Giacomo Puccini - Brenda Thulo ;

- 'Vainement, ma bien-aimeé from' Le Roi Dýs by Éduard Lao - Phenye Modiane;

- 'All the things you are' by Jerome Kern - Caroline Nkwe;

- 'Love changes everything' from Aspects of Love by Andrew Lloyd- Webber Ensemble.

Date: Wednesday, 1 February;
Time: 19:00 for 19:30;
Venue: Waterkloof Heights Shopping Centre, 103 Club Avenue, Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria;
Cost: R350 for a three course dinner including wine;
Booking: Book with Fortunato Mazzone at 012 460 5173.