Appendix 6 - International Music Council

All “Incubators” receive regular coaching and thus develop their repertoire, making it
possible for them to perform on a more regular basis. In turn this creates the possibility
to earn a small income. “Incubators” also receive coaching in French, German, Italian
and English as knowledge of these languages are vital in practice of the Opera genre.
18. PARTICIPATION IN THE BLACK TIE CHORUS
All “Incubator Scheme” members are obliged to sing in the BTE Chorus. Gaining
more experience in different facets of theatre including stage work. The renowned
Chorus Master, Mathilda Hornsveld, has trained various professional choruses over the
past 25 years. Rapport and City Press support the Chorus.
19. CONCLUSION
The “Incubator Scheme” is an achievement which confirms that it is indispensable, not
only for the talented singers that profit from it, but also its significance as enhancer of the
many facets that make up our unique South African cultural identity.
This scheme is truly an investment for the future and this project is unique
not only in South Africa but also globally.
THE BLACK TIE OPERA CHORUS
The Black Tie Ensemble (BTE) has in the past collaborated with township
community choirs for all the chorus work in The Black Tie Ensemble
productions, be they Gala Concerts or Opera productions. The most
successful collaboration was most definitely a Gala concert with the
Ensemble and the Gauteng Choristers – an independent choir under
choirmaster Sidwell Mhlongo.
For other productions we worked with the Ga-Rankuwa Community Choir.
Although a successful musical collaboration, the logistical problems were
nearly insurmountable. Transport, although arranged with a bus company,
was not dependable, affecting rehearsal times and attendance figures as well
as budget. Attendance of chorus members was also sporadic because of the
distance away from the Theatre, and these circumstances created both an
uncongenial and unprofessional rehearsal period (which was not at all
acceptable), but we persevered and the final result was satisfactory. The
process, though, placed unnecessary stress on all those concerned.
The collaboration with the choir which would have performed with the BTE
during the 2004 Christmas Concert had to be terminated due to bad
rehearsal attendance. Mathilda Hornsveld, a highly experienced
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