Operanauts hosted an opera music fête in Kinshasa featuring live performances by young Congolese musicians on March 18.
The fête featured performances by the Joy Quintet as well as several singers who performed arias from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, arranged by Dr. Craig Levesque, alongside the Joy Quintet. It was difficult for Operanauts to plan the event from overseas, and organizers in Kinshasa faced hurdles due to unforeseen expenses and sudden personnel changes. The fête was nonetheless a great success, and the performers and audience alike enjoyed the opportunity to appreciate opera music during a difficult period in the pandemic.
“What matters the most,” said Operanauts Artistic Director Joy Bechtler, “is that it made them all more comfortable.”
The Joy Quintet includes Arnaude Falanka (Violin I), Galf Diasonama (Violin II), Hervale Mayuma (Viola), King Mbuangi (Cello), and Hervé Lele (Horn). Click the link to watch the Joy Quintet perform with Glodie Membo sitting in for Arnaude Falanka, who could not perform due to a medical emergency. https://youtu.be/kTtfV59UEAE
Singers included Junior Yakusu Itambo (Bass), Juliana Tshibola (Soprano), and Samuel Niaty (Baritone).
Samuel Niaty also helped to organize the fête, alongside volunteers Arlette Lundoloka, Christelle Tuzola, and Horpa Kulula Mvuama.