Please note: this is a changed location. First Dates: Ecem Topcu X Gery Mendes will take place at location Paradijskerk.

Turkish soprano Ecem Topcu made her professional debut in 2018 as Arsena in Der Zigeunerbaron and in 2019 as Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro at Samsun State Opera and Ballet. She performed in Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny (Mädchen) directed by Ivo Van Hove and the Rape of Lucretia (Female Choir) at Opera Ballet (Vlaanderen & Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg). In 2023 she performed for the first time at O. with the role of Rosina in De Barbier. In addition to her roles on opera stage she sang as soloist in several concerts with the Belgian National Orchestra. 

Born in Rotterdam, Gery Mendes is a rapper, beatboxer, actor and lyricist with a heartwarming energy on stage. In a “soulful raw hip hop style,” he creates his own compositions, inspired by the music of his mother country, Cape Verde. He has already performed at various festivals, such as North Sea Jazz Festival, Oerol, Couleur Café (Belgium) and Cultura Urbana (Spain), as well as in films and theater.

About First Dates
With First Dates, O. links singers from different musical worlds and challenges them to perform together for the first time. They meet each other in an inspiring place and will amaze themselves, but also you as a visitor. And who knows, such a first encounter may lead to more… Exciting for musicians and audience in any case!