Opera Productions

Ondieki the Fisherman

In 2012, the first Kenyan opera, Ondieki the Fisherman, was produced. It soon became apparent there was untapped vocal talent in Kenya.

During the last decade, Baraka Opera Kenya has exposed artists through the entire operations of opera productions to creating awareness about its interdisciplinary nature as an art form. BOK aims to inspire a generation of professional artists and artisans through the genre of opera.“Ondieki the Fisherman” was written by Francis William Chandler in 1973. Inspired by a folk tale written by his student, Sarah Alai, Chandler wrote the libretto and the music to commemorate the grand opening of the school’s new theatre and assembly hall. The tale recounts the deeds of a foolish, wife-battering fisherman, from the shores of Lake Victoria.

In 1973, Chandler had initially composed the music specifically for an all-female cast including the then 16-year old Rhoda Ondeng who sang the lead soprano, Mariamu - Ondieki’s wife. Ondeng has since gone on to become an internationally acclaimed operatic soprano.

In 2012, the revival of Ondieki the Fisherman became a showcase for Kenyan talent; a promising sign that, with appropriate funding, there is enough talent in Kenya to create world class music theatre productions.

Libretto Rhoda Odeng’–Wilhelmsen
Music by Francis Chandler
Directed by Alakie Mboya-Owuor

“This was an out-of-this-world experience to watch. Goosebumps, still years on” - Giorgio Berardi
”I wish we could see more opera productions...This is just SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL! Well done everyone for putting up a spectacular performance.” - Jacqueline Arkle

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Following the previous year’s success, Amahl and The Night Visitors was brought back again in 2024, this time assembling over 50 of Kenya’s finest singers, dancers and performers to bring this warm-hearted Opera to life.

Set against the rich cultural backdrop of Africa, this timeless BOK production brought to life the touching tale of Amahl, a young, crippled shepherd boy, and his devoted widowed mother, who lived in humble poverty.

One unforgettable evening, their quiet lives were transformed when three majestic strangers—dressed in splendid robes and bearing gifts for a newborn Child—knocked at their door. Seeking shelter for the night, these mysterious visitors brought with them a promise of hope and redemption. As the night unfolded, an extraordinary miracle took place, forever changing Amahl and his mother’s lives.

Originally composed by Gian Carlo Menotti in 1951, Amahl and The Night Visitors is a one-act opera, a perfect introduction to opera, enchanting audiences of all ages with its beautiful music and heartfelt storytelling.

The performance began with this moving 50-minute opera, followed by a joyous second half: A Choral Celebration of Christmas. This festive medley featured a delightful mix of beloved carols and fresh seasonal pieces, including a stirring rendition of Christopher Tin’s globally acclaimed Baba Yetu, leaving the audience uplifted and filled with holiday spirit.

Those who attended this magical double-bill were treated to the perfect start to the holiday season—an unforgettable experience of music, miracles, and festive cheer.

Though the curtains have closed on last year’s performances, the memories linger on. Stay tuned for Baraka Opera Kenya’s next enchanting productions!

Relive the magic. Celebrate the season. Experience the wonder of opera.

Conducted by Kiggundu Musoke
Directed by Ian Mbugua

Nyanga: Runaway Grandmother

Young Nyanga makes a momentous decision to run away from home, and unwittingly crosses hitherto unknown barriers of geography, history, race and gender.

Under the leadership of Kenyan-born international opera singer, Rhoda Ondeng Wilhelmsen, Baraka Opera Trust staged the world premier of a new Kenyan opera, “Nyanga: Runaway Grandmother” in October 2021.

The true story of Nyanga, a young shepherdess and daughter of a medicine man, takes place in a remote village on the Kano plains (present day Kisumu) at the turn of the twentieth century. With the arrival of the first white missionaries, two cultures meet with consequences that will impact future generations of Kenyans in unprecedented ways.

Young Nyanga makes a momentous decision to run away from home, and unwittingly crosses hitherto unknown barriers of geography, history, race and gender.

Nyanga: Runaway Grandmother is a fully staged theatrical work, that combines traditional Kenyan and western classical music.

Composed by F.W. Chandler, “Nyanga: Runaway Grandmother”, has created a lasting legacy that will hopefully inspire future generations of artistically creative Kenyans, to write their own operas.

Director: Julisa Rowe
Musical Director: Levy Wataka
Vocal Instructor: Ciru James
Executive Producer: Michael James

Awards:
2020 - Best Musical Production (Sanaa Theatre Awards)
2021 - Nominated for Best production (Kenya Theatre Awards)