St George’s Cathedral will be transformed into a palace of sound on Friday, 19 December, when Opera UCT singers, joined by a specialist Baroque ensemble under the direction of Professor Jeremy Silver, present ENCHANTED BAROQUE — a luminous hour of masterworks from the golden age of music.
Set within the iconic beauty of St George’s Cathedral, this landmark concert promises an unforgettable fusion of architecture, artistry and Baroque brilliance. ENCHANTED BAROQUE marks a first for the city’s cultural calendar, bringing this repertoire into the cathedral space in a way never experienced before.
Photos supplied.
A Baroque Journey in an Iconic Space
ENCHANTED BAROQUE brings together the finest young voices of Opera UCT with specialist Baroque instrumentalists, offering audiences an immersive journey into the emotional richness, ornamentation and expressive elegance that define this remarkable period of music.
The cathedral’s soaring arches, resonant stone and historic atmosphere provide an ideal acoustic and visual setting for Baroque works, allowing the music to unfold with intimacy and grandeur in equal measure. The result is a concert experience that is as moving as it is refined.
A Landmark Collaboration in Support of Young Talent
In a significant moment for South African arts and culture, this concert marks the first collaboration between the KT Wong Foundation, fashion icon Gavin Rajah and Opera UCT, united by a shared commitment to nurturing young operatic talent in South Africa.
The event is presented by the internationally respected KT Wong Foundation, founded by philanthropist and cultural visionary Lady Linda Wong Davies. Her work has been instrumental in fostering artistic exchange between East, West and the African continent. Recent projects have included taking an operatic production of Porgy and Bess with Cape Town Opera to Beijing, as well as Marvellous Realism, the first African photographic exhibition to be shown in China.
A Partnership That Elevates South African Voices
Lady Linda Wong Davies expressed her excitement at presenting ENCHANTED BAROQUE in aid of Opera UCT:
“Opera UCT represents the very best of South Africa’s emerging talent — the discipline, the passion and the artistic courage that move audiences everywhere. The KT Wong Foundation is honoured to help bring Enchanted Baroque to life in such a historic setting. This concert is more than a performance; it is an investment in creativity, collaboration and the global future of South African voices.”
Jeremy Silver, Director of Opera UCT and conductor for the evening, describes the concert as both an artistic milestone and a meaningful cause:
“Bringing Baroque music to life in the heart of St George’s Cathedral is something truly special. The acoustics, the atmosphere and the architecture all lend themselves to the beauty and intimacy of this repertoire. More importantly, this concert supports the next generation of young opera singers in South Africa. It is a privilege to lead an evening that celebrates artistry while investing in the future.”
Style, Vision and Cultural Philanthropy
Acclaimed designer Gavin Rajah, long associated with arts advocacy and cultural philanthropy, adds his vision and support to the evening. His recent involvement with Opera UCT’s successful production of Die Fledermaus further underscores his commitment to the performing arts. His participation helps frame ENCHANTED BAROQUE as one of Cape Town’s must-attend end-of-year cultural experiences.
A Magical December Experience with Festive Touches
Alongside the concert itself, patrons will have the option of attending an exclusive post-performance reception at the cathedral — an opportunity to enjoy the ambience, connect with fellow music lovers and celebrate the close of the year in a truly remarkable setting.
In keeping with Opera UCT’s commitment to accessibility and community inclusion, discounted tickets are available for under-18s and senior citizens, making ENCHANTED BAROQUE a welcoming experience for families, students and older music lovers alike.
As the year draws to a close, ENCHANTED BAROQUE offers a rare chance to experience timeless music, exceptional young talent and one of Cape Town’s most iconic spaces in perfect harmony.
EVENT DETAILS
Title: ENCHANTED BAROQUE
Date: Friday, 19 December 2025
Time: 7:00 pm (approximately one hour)
Concert Venue: St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town
Post-Concert Reception Venue: The Labyrinth, St George’s Cathedral
Tickets: Available from R150
Presented by: KT Wong Foundation, Gavin Rajah & Opera UCT
Featuring: Opera UCT singers and a Baroque ensemble
Conductor: Professor Jeremy Silver
Singers
Sopranos: Frances van Vuuren; Mia-Lana Slier
Mezzo-sopranos: Lilitha Nkuku; Nica Reinke
Tenors: Iviwe Boms; Simbongile Ntlahla
Baritones: Sandile Zitha; Sisa Mjekula