UCT Opera & Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra Present Mozart’s Don Giovanni

Opera UCT and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, two of the Mother City’s most celebrated classical companies, unite for one week this October, bringing Mozart’s Don Giovanni to life at the Baxter.

Featuring a dynamic production that moves between comedy and terror as it explores seduction, individual freedom and defiance of social convention, the show is a unique offering not often seen on the Cape’s big stages. Here’s everything opera enthusiasts need to know.

More about Don Giovanni

Created by Mozart and his librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte, the two-act opera is based on an old Spanish legend of a man who devotes his life to seducing women, and the consequences of his actions.

Don Giovanni seduces, deceives and discards women without conscience. When one of his conquests leads to the murder of the girl’s father, a sinister force is unleashed from beyond the grave. Accustomed to getting his way, Don Giovanni’s years of cruelty and debauchery catch up with him, and he finds himself facing death head-on.

The narrative questions the main character’s identity, looking beyond the legend and asking who he truly is, why he does it, and what he fears. The score encapsulates this inner conflict, combining tense orchestral writing, expressive arias and lively ensembles into one tense character piece.

Far from a local-only production, the crew includes several acclaimed international opera professionals. French-American star Talia Stern stages the show as director of the Jette Parker Artists Programme at the UK’s world-famous, award-winning Royal Ballet & Opera theatre company. Allegra Bernacchioni, a renowned Italian opera designer who has worked in theatres across Europe and Asia, designed the set and costumes. The Opera UCT cast and chorus perform alongside the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by company director Jeremy Silver and Jette Parker conductor and pianist Peggy Wu.

The opera is sung in Italian, with captions provided in English and isiXhosa, widening access for local audiences beyond the original libretto’s language.

Photo courtesy of previous Opera UCT production of *Don Giovanni*

How to book tickets

Running for one week only, Don Giovanni is a rare opportunity for Cape Town’s opera scene to celebrate local and international talent with a beloved story, moving music, and a stacked ensemble.

Those wanting to see the final Sunday matinee performance can book a special lunch or dinner at La Cuccina, with an all-inclusive ticket costing just R150. This production runs for approximately three hours and 15 minutes (with an interval) and contains descriptions of sexual assault. Free parking is available at the Baxter.

Cost: R210 – R550 per person (full price) | R170 – R380 (pensioners) | R100 (students) | R150 (La Cuccina special on Sunday @ 3pm). Book now via Webtickets.

When: Thursday – Sunday, 22 – 25 October 2026 | From 7pm | 3pm (Sun matinee)
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre (Pam Golding Theatre), Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town