From Carnegie Hall to Backstage: Harvey Debit on Producing Opera & Keeping the Arts Alive
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Join host Lindi Tshabangu on JustGospel's Soul Foods for a special live broadcast from the Joburg Theatre on opening night of Sempre Opera's Carmen production, featuring production manager Harvey Debit and theatre producer Uli.
Harvey shares his remarkable journey from soprano soloist in primary school to singing bass in the State Theatre opera chorus for 15 years, including the career highlight of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Now in his "baptism by fire" as production manager for Carmen, Harvey discusses the challenging but rewarding transition from being on stage to working behind the scenes.
Key Discussion Points:
Harvey's musical journey from childhood choir soloist to opera chorus veteran
The emotional challenge of stepping away from performing to work in production
Celebrating 150 years since Bizet's death and Carmen's enduring global appeal
The international cast featuring Croatian guest artist Berislav Jerkovic
The critical need to preserve opera in South Africa and create opportunities for young talent
How South African opera singers are forced to seek careers overseas
The upcoming retirement that will allow Harvey to dedicate more time to arts advocacy
Passionate Advocacy:
Both Harvey and Uli emphasize the urgency of supporting classical arts in South Africa, noting how exceptional Black South African opera singers struggle for career opportunities locally, forcing many to pursue international careers.
"I want to throw in all my energy to create opportunities for brilliant young people and instill this passion that I have for opera into them so we can grow opera in South Africa." - Harvey Debit
This episode captures the live energy of opening night while highlighting the dedication required to keep classical arts alive in South Africa.
Carmen Performance Details: Joburg Theatre through July 27, tickets available via WebTickets
Subscribe to JustGospel Radio and catch us live at www.justgospelradio.co.za
#JustGospel #SoulFoods #Carmen #SempreOpera #JoburgTheatre #SouthAfricanOpera #ClassicalMusic #LiveBroadcast
Harvey shares his remarkable journey from soprano soloist in primary school to singing bass in the State Theatre opera chorus for 15 years, including the career highlight of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Now in his "baptism by fire" as production manager for Carmen, Harvey discusses the challenging but rewarding transition from being on stage to working behind the scenes.
Key Discussion Points:
Harvey's musical journey from childhood choir soloist to opera chorus veteran
The emotional challenge of stepping away from performing to work in production
Celebrating 150 years since Bizet's death and Carmen's enduring global appeal
The international cast featuring Croatian guest artist Berislav Jerkovic
The critical need to preserve opera in South Africa and create opportunities for young talent
How South African opera singers are forced to seek careers overseas
The upcoming retirement that will allow Harvey to dedicate more time to arts advocacy
Passionate Advocacy:
Both Harvey and Uli emphasize the urgency of supporting classical arts in South Africa, noting how exceptional Black South African opera singers struggle for career opportunities locally, forcing many to pursue international careers.
"I want to throw in all my energy to create opportunities for brilliant young people and instill this passion that I have for opera into them so we can grow opera in South Africa." - Harvey Debit
This episode captures the live energy of opening night while highlighting the dedication required to keep classical arts alive in South Africa.
Carmen Performance Details: Joburg Theatre through July 27, tickets available via WebTickets
Subscribe to JustGospel Radio and catch us live at www.justgospelradio.co.za
#JustGospel #SoulFoods #Carmen #SempreOpera #JoburgTheatre #SouthAfricanOpera #ClassicalMusic #LiveBroadcast
