Bel Canto Concert

A wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Bel Canto era (Italian for "beautiful singing") with its vocal agility, purity of tone, impeccable breath control and highly ornamented melodic lines.

May 25, 2026 • Written by Jozi Opera

Bel Canto Concert

Johannesburg Opera presents the Bel Canto Concert.

The Bel Canto era (Italian for "beautiful singing") was an operatic and vocal movement originating in Italy during the 17th and 18th centuries and peaking in the early 19th century. It prioritized vocal agility, purity of tone, impeccable breath control, and seamless, highly ornamented melodic lines over raw dramatic power.

The most iconic period of bel canto flourished in the early 19th century with:

Gioachino Rossini: Known for his rapid, sparkling patter songs and brilliant ornamentation.

Vincenzo Bellini: Celebrated for long, sweeping, melancholy melodies that showcased the ultimate beauty of the voice.

Gaetano Donizetti: Mastered the blend of tragic and comic elements, requiring incredible emotional depth and vocal stamina from his singers.

Legato Production: Singers produced long, uninterrupted, smooth phrasing across their entire vocal range.

Vocal Agility: Singers employed rapid-fire runs, trills, and arpeggios.


You will be entertained by the amazing Johannesburg Opera artists:

We will be accompanied by:

The Bel Canto Concert is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy outstanding vocal artistry and soulful musical interpretation, honouring a tradition that has touched hearts for centuries.

Event information

Date:

Time:

Venue:

Tickets:

Bookings:

Sunday, 31 May 2026

15:00

R280.00 per person

Elegant music notes on a swirling staff
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