The Friends of the Gallery (FOG), in partnership with the Festival of Song Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Association of Choral and Music Arts (ZACMA), will host A Night of Timeless Arias and Refined Voices at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe on Saturday, 11 October 2025. The black-tie event promises to be an immersive celebration of operatic excellence, featuring world-class performers and innovative productions in a setting renowned for its rich acoustics.
The evening will showcase a wide range of operatic traditions, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, offering both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers a rare opportunity to experience the art form in Zimbabwe.
ZACMA representative Simbarashe Makavanaga highlighted the enduring relevance of opera. “Opera, as an art form, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries and continents,” he said. “From its origins in ancient Greece to its evolution in modern times, opera has been shaped by cultural, social, and artistic influences. Today opera continues to thrive, celebrated globally for its unique blend of music, drama, and spectacle.”
The National Gallery’s Courtauld Gallery will once again serve as the venue, continuing its tradition of hosting recitals and concerts in an environment praised for its intimacy and sound quality.
Chairman of FOG, Victor Nyakauru said the event builds on a strong year of artistic programming.
“The Friends of the Gallery has had a very successful year; after facilitating two Arts and Crafts Fairs and the National Gallery’s Birthday celebration, we have come together with the Festival of Song to bring the operatic discipline into the Gallery,” he noted. “We are inviting all opera lovers to join us to support an art form that is deserving of a greater following.”
The collaboration underscores FOG’s commitment to multidisciplinary programming that bridges cultural expression with community engagement. By partnering with ZACMA and the Festival of Song Zimbabwe, the organisation aims to broaden audiences and foster a deeper appreciation for opera’s place within both local and international art landscapes.
“A Night of Timeless Arias and Refined Voices” will begin at 16:00 hrs on 11 October 2025. Tickets are available at the Artlife Shop at the National Gallery. The event is strictly Black Tie.
