Appendix 6 - International Music Council

Adopt an Artist
The Ristorante Ritrovo initiated an innovative sponsoring scheme whereby individuals or
companies can adopt an artist with the result that the adopted artists receive a monthly allowance
which allows them to pay for necessities such as housing in close proximity to The State Theatre,
as transport from outlying areas and townships create logistical problems.
Edutainment
In order to bring opera and quality music to a wider audience, BTE performs at functions,
festivals and concerts, as well as at schools and factories with its edutainment programmes.
Corporate Performances
BTE performs regularly at corporate events to retain sustainability of a monthly income for the
singers. The Ensemble can be booked for corporate events as a small or large ensemble as
required, and have been used during corporate product launches, soirees, movie premieres,
international conferences, among others.
Support of The Black Tie Ensemble
None of these successes would have been possible without the proud support of our corporate
sponsors, South African Breweries (North Region) and Sappi, with additional support given by
SASOL. Support also comes from The State Theatre, the Mazzone family of Ristorante
Ritrovo, The National Arts Council, National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, Rapport
City Press, Classic FM, Classic Feel Magazine, BASA and the SAMRO Endowment for the
National Arts.
Significant support has come from Sappi, the sponsors of the 2004 production of La Bohème as
well as the 2005 production of Lucia Di Lammermoor.
The Department of Arts and Culture endorses BTE and a grant from the Department made it
possible for BTE to perform in China in 2003 as well as a series of concerts in Austria in 2004. In
2005 the Department invited BTE to perform at the AICHI World Expo 2005 in Nagoya
Japan, as well as at a special Freedom Day Soiree at the South African Embassy in Tokyo.
The ongoing support of our audiences as well as assistance from numerous other sources enables
BTE to share the magic of opera with an ever-increasing audience.
Contact us on (012) 322 7944 (Tel) (012) 320 8727 (Fax) or e mail at publicity@blackties.co.za
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