Opéra Terre d'Orage (Fund)

Starting from the observation that there are no schools or centres in French-speaking Africa dedicated to the learning and promotion of classical singing in all its forms, even though it has tremendous artistic potential, and from the observation that the practice of this art is hardly recognised internationally although it is present in the field, the opportunity to set up a programme combining both the training and promotion of these artists in Kinshasa takes on its full meaning. 

Indeed, if public actors and operators in charge of the promotion of classical culture are present in the DRC, there is no space federating opera culture in French-speaking Africa. 

The Fund therefore aims to create in a sustainable way a classical singing centre with all the necessary assets for the training and promotion of singers, from a very young age: a solid curriculum, class and rehearsal premises, Internet access, a media library and a library of scores. 

The other aspect of the project consists of the setting up of a teaching staff, the promotion and dissemination of the school's activities, as well as the initiation of the public - especially young people - to the classical lyrical repertoire, through the organisation of concerts, shows and other performances in Kinshasa (importance of building up a local audience) and, in the medium term, throughout the African continent. 

At the same time, the Centre will host Masterclasses of world-renowned musicians, thereby strengthening the links between African and European musicians and opening up international career paths for students.

Objectives : 

- Stimulate interest in classical music through knowledge and practice

- To promote the classical music education of young people, aspiring singers, accompaniment instrumentalists, chamber instrumentalists, choir conductors or conductors of orchestras (theory, history of music and practice of classical singing in all its aspects) through the creation of a classical singing centre.

- Promote exchanges between African and non-African classical musicians

- To promote performances of classical music

- Achieve the creation of a professional lyric centre of international level

The school's activities are aimed at all those who wish to approach or study classical singing and everything that concerns it: choral singing, chamber music, concert and opera singing, lyric art, piano accompaniment and choir direction. 

Once the material infrastructure is in place, these activities will be carried out in three phases: 

1. Creation of an opera, The Magic Flute, aimed at demonstrating the interest and feasibility of the project. 

2. Creation of a vocal and instrumental ensemble, production and promotion of chamber operas.

3. Creation of a young opera company (in the form of a studio opera) and promotion of the artists in opera houses around the world. Educational and creative exchanges with international opera institutions. 

A 4th phase could be envisaged according to the scope and worldwide recognition of the Centre as a "Lyric Space of Francophone Africa". It would be the creation of an Opera House in the DRC whose actors and authors are mainly from the African continent.