National Gallery Hosts Opera Festival
The Friends of the Gallery (FOG), in partnership with Festival of Song Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Association of Choral and Music Arts (ZACMA), will present A Night of Timeless Arias and Refined Voices this October, bringing opera to the heart of Harare.
The black-tie event, set for Saturday 11 October 2025, will be staged at the Courtauld Gallery within the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
The evening promises an immersive journey through classical masterpieces and operatic traditions, showcasing world-class performers in an acoustically rich setting.
A Celebration of Opera
Organisers say the concert is designed to foster a deeper appreciation of opera as an art form and its global significance.
The performance will cater to both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers, offering audiences a chance to experience refined voices and innovative productions in an intimate space.
“Opera, as an art form, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries and continents,” said Simbarashe Makavanaga, a representative of ZACMA.
“From its origins in ancient Greece to its evolution in modern times, opera has been shaped by cultural, social and artistic influences.
“Today, it continues to thrive, with artists and audiences worldwide celebrating its unique blend of music, drama and spectacle.”
Friends of the Gallery Expanding Reach
The event comes after a busy year for the Friends of the Gallery, who have facilitated two Arts and Crafts Fairs and supported the National Gallery’s birthday celebrations.
“The Friends of the Gallery has had a very successful year,” said Chairman Victor Nyakauru.
“We have now come together with the Festival of Song to bring the operatic discipline into the Gallery.
“We are inviting all opera lovers to join us in supporting an art form that is deserving of a greater following.”
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
Time: From 16:00hrs
Venue: National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Courtauld Gallery
Dress Code: Strictly Black Tie
Tickets: Available from the Artlife Shop at the National Gallery
About the Organisers
National Gallery of Zimbabwe: Established in 1957, the Gallery is dedicated to the conservation and presentation of Zimbabwe’s modern and contemporary art, with branches in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
Festival of Song Zimbabwe: Founded in 2018, this premier choral festival brings together community, church and institutional choirs, celebrating African musical traditions with a modern twist.
Friends of the Gallery (FOG): A voluntary network of individuals and organisations supporting the Gallery through fundraising, advocacy, and cultural programming.
ZACMA: The Zimbabwe Association of Choral and Music Arts focuses on the growth of the musical arts industry, particularly in the choral sector.
The evening of opera at the National Gallery is expected to draw a diverse audience, marking another significant step in expanding Zimbabwe’s cultural calendar.
