Opera lovers in Harare will be treated to a romantic evening this Valentine’s Day, as Carmen: A Journey through the Faces of Love takes to the stage at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
The production, organised by the Friends of the Gallery (FOG) in partnership with the Festival of Song Zimbabwe, will be held on Saturday 14 February 2026 from 6pm.
It forms part of FOG’s expanding programme of multidisciplinary events aimed at bringing live performance into one of the country’s leading cultural spaces.
Inspired by Georges Bizet’s 1875 opera Carmen, the performance offers a reimagined interpretation of the classic story of a fiercely independent woman and her intense, often turbulent, love affair.
Organisers say the production will explore the many faces of love — passion, freedom, desire and conflict — themes that align closely with the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
The piece will be delivered by Sound of Joy Chorale and the Ruwa Chorale, combining operatic storytelling with choral traditions rooted in local musical expression.
Audiences can expect a blend of classical influence and African vocal styles, reflecting a growing trend to localise global works for Zimbabwean stages.
Friends of the Gallery chairperson Alice Mlambo said the event follows the success of the first Opera Night held in October last year.
“We are kicking off our activities this year with a second edition of Opera Night, theming it to love as we are holding the event on Valentine’s Day,” she said.
Joseph Ndlovu, director of the Festival of Song Zimbabwe, encouraged members of the public to attend, describing the performance as an opportunity to experience a world-famous opera through a local lens.
Celebrating choral excellence
Founded in 2018, the Festival of Song Zimbabwe has grown into one of the country’s premier choral music platforms. The annual festival brings together leading community, church and institutional choirs, celebrating African musical traditions while embracing contemporary and inclusive approaches.
Rooted in cultural pride, artistic excellence and social harmony, the festival has played a key role in nurturing choral music and expanding audiences for vocal performance.
Sound of Joy Chorale, one of the featured ensembles, is a non-denominational community choir made up of members from diverse backgrounds.
Based in Bulawayo, the choir focuses on empowering young people and raising the standard of choral music both locally and nationally, using music as a tool for social connection and personal development.
A growing cultural space
The Friends of the Gallery of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe is a voluntary support body made up of individuals and corporations.
The group raises funds, promotes exhibitions, advocates for the gallery’s collections and regularly organises special events and educational programmes.
Through initiatives such as Opera Night, FOG has helped position the National Gallery as a vibrant space for live performance alongside visual art.
The Valentine’s Day event will be a strictly black-tie affair, adding to the sense of occasion and celebration.
Tickets are available from the Artlife Shop at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and online via flippintickets.co.zw.
Organisers say Carmen: A Journey through the Faces of Love is aimed at couples, classical music enthusiasts and anyone looking for a refined and memorable way to mark Valentine’s Day.
The performance runs for one night only, on Saturday 14 February 2026, at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
