Cape Town Opera’s Youth Development and Education department’s annual month-long National Schools Tour is underway.

As of Feb. 21 through March 20, Cape Town Opera’s team, including facilitators, a pianist, and production support, will conduct workshops across seven provinces. Students will participate in group warm-ups and vocal training, followed by individual sessions tailored to their voice types. These sessions focus on enhancing vocal skills, musical knowledge, diction, breathing, phrasing, posture, and acting. This year’s repertoire includes pieces in German, Italian, isiXhosa, and isiZulu  These workshops aim to prepare potential solo competitors in various eisteddfod categories.

The National Schools Tour aligns with the Open Section category of the ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE), organized by the Department of Basic Education. SASCE unfolds in three phases from May to July – regional, provincial, and national. Following regional and provincial rounds, the final competition takes place in Gauteng during the winter school holidays in July.

The initiative is supported by the National Arts Council of South Africa.