Friends Opera in Cape Town Launch Website to Keep Cape Town Singing

The vision and mission of FOCTO is to 'keep Cape Town singing', by promoting and supporting both potential and existing vocal talent in the Mother City in partnership with bursary-related academic programs and venues. Offering an information-sharing social media platform, FOCTO also hopes to keep both friends and followers updated on entertainment and events, including performances for the purposes of social benefit and talent recognition.Through leadership and initiative, as well as collaborating and partnering with others who share a common vision in the musical industry, FOCTO wishes to nurture and support discovered and undiscovered Proudly South African talent.

FOCTO's objectives are to contribute pro-actively to supporting and developing new and existing talent for both the local and global stage, to inspire an online movement of followers who remain on top of operatic, jazz and other relevant performances contributing to social transformation and upliftment and to encourage a large philanthropic following to support local projects and outreach programs in the vocal performance industry via FOCTO membership.Throughout the season, the Friends of Opera presents behind-the-glimpses into the world of opera through a series of informal and formal events hosted at several venues in Cape Town.

All of this is in service of one specific goal: to ensure that the magical art form of opera continues, not only to survive, but to thrive and flourish. Amongst the student body in South Africa, there are some outstanding voices and the Friends of Opera - represented by a committee consisting of Penny Suckling, Steve Theron, Gloria Kaminski, Richard Eastwick, Angelo Gobbato, Melanie Bruce, Hilary Iwanski, Reg Lander and Monique Gardner - are determined that these young people will be given the opportunity right here in Cape Town to share their gift of vocal talent with us. This initiative is closely tied to the FOCTO Beneficiary program, which supports local young talent.

For more information about FOCTO, including upcoming events and membership details, visitthe new website or follow FOCTO on Facebook and Twitter (@FO_CTO).