The Company
Our Mission

As a vibrant, multi-faceted opera company, we aim first of all to preserve the rich tradition of opera, and of the art of classical singing. At the heart of our mission, our main purpose remains the creation of employment opportunities for young, graduated singers.

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Our Objectives

The following objectives are constantly being pursued and extended as part of the ongoing activities of The Black Tie Ensemble:

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History
Determined to preserve the rich tradition of opera, South African diva Mimi Coertse and celebrated opera director and costume designer, Neels Hansen, established The Black Tie Ensemble (BTE) in March 1999. Their visionary spirit of entrepreneurship was underlined following the closure of the State Theatre and its performing entities in June 2000, which plunged the state of the arts in South Africa into a state of uncertainty.
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Meet the Founders

 The Founders of The Black Tie Ensemble:

  • MIMI COERTSE
  • NEELS HANSEN
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Board of Trustees
John RoosArtistic Manager: UNISA Music Foundation 
XP GumaDeputy Governor: SA Reserve Bank
Dinga MncubeManaging Director: Sappi Forests
Virginia DavidsHead of Voice Studies: SA College of Music, UCT
Mpueleng PooeExecutive: Public Affairs Royal Bafokeng Holdings
Charlotte ManginiLecturer: Vocal Arts Department, TUT
Fortunato MazzoneOwner:  Ristorante Ritrovo
Mimi CoertseFounder Trustee