2013 World Aids Day Gala Concert at Artscape

Between 2011-2015 World AIDS Days will have the theme of "Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths".

The 16 Days of Activism for 'No Violence Against Women and Children' which takes place every year from 25 November to 10 December will also be acknowledged. (25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.)

Director, producer and performer Jimmie Earl Perry is to share the stage with South African international divas, Hanneli Rupert and Janelle Visagie. The New Apostolic Church Cape Choir, Amy Campbell, Lauren Laing, Lana Crowster, Rouchelle Liedemann and tenor Ivan Siegelaar add their voices to this annual celebration.

Choreographer/dancer Hope Maimane from the Waterfront Theatre Company will perform his poignant work 'Umfazi We Ndoda' (Wife of a Man) together with Claire Boswell and Evan Livesly. Additional musicians include Andrew Ford (piano), Shaun Johannes (bass), Kevin Gibson (drums) and Aldert du Toit (guitar). Wolfgang Riebe, international motivational speaker and illusionist is the MC for the evening.

Presented by The Africa Centre for HIV and AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University, Prof Jan du Toit, Director of the Centre mentions that : 'Between 2011-2015, World AIDS Days will have the theme of "Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths.

The World AIDS Campaign focus on "Zero AIDS related deaths" signifies a push towards greater access to treatment for all; a call for governments to act now. It is a call to honour promises like the Abuja declaration and for African governments to hit targets for domestic spending on health and HIV.

The gala concert is a non-threatening way of getting the message on HIV to specific audiences and since 2005 the Africa Centre has hosted this important event. We are privileged to be able to present the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and all the artists at our concert this year as we honour unsung heroes, individuals and organizations for their tireless work and dedication to these causes.'

Professor Jimmie Earl Perry is the first African American/South African appointed UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to South Africa says; 'The programme is stimulating and stirring with classical, pop, adult and contemporary music suitable for the entire family. It includes extracts from Verdi's Il Trovatore and La Traviata, Puccini's O Mio Babbino Caro, Belle nuit, ô nuit d'amour from The Tales of Hoffmann, Coenie de Villlier's renowned Karoonag, Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You, some Christmas cheer, Gospel and songs for loving, dreaming, toe tapping and clapping. We are thrilled to be working with so many exceptional artists.'

Tickets cost R80 and R120. Book through Artscape Dial-a-Seat +27 (0)21 421 7695 or Computicket.