KINSHASA – A group of musicians in Congo have officially formed OPERANAUTS RDC (National Artists United To Serve with OPERA in RDC, a nonprofit association of dues-paying members that seeks to mentor aspiring Congolese musicians and promote the art of opera.
The Kinshasa-based group is made up of musicians trained through the fellowship and residency programs of Operanauts, Inc., a U.S. nonprofit founded in 2013 to heal trauma and inspire growth in Congo through opera music initiatives.
The founding members of OPERANAUTS RDC include Diego Tara, Dorcas Maskia Nende, Samuel Niaty, Junior Yakusu Itambo, Juliana Tshibola Mamba, Jossy Kapinga Boula-Boula, Grâce Kaviranende Grâce, Jusline Tazi Diakoyo, and Divin Fimbo Nduku.
These young professionals will form the creative team to direct the Joy Happenings festival, a series of opera concerts and competitions to be held in Kinshasa. Joy Bechtler, Operanauts’ Executive Artistic Director, will lend creative support to the effort.
“I am really pleased to have been part of the creation of this group dedicated to spreading the joy of music-making in Kinshasa,” Bechtler said.
The Joy Happenings Festival is planned for April 2022.