The prestigious Operalia competition, often dubbed the World Cup of opera, has commenced in Cape Town, featuring the legendary Spanish tenor and conductor Placido Domingo as the guest of honor. Established in 1993, Operalia has played a significant role in molding the careers of famous singers like Pretty Yende, Levy Sekgapane, and Metropolitan Opera star Sonya Yoncheva. The 30th edition of this esteemed event adds Cape Town to an impressive list of previous host cities, such as London, Paris, Madrid, Hamburg, Tokyo, and Milan.
Offering over $200,000 in total prize money, Operalia presents a valuable opportunity to promote Cape Town as a top-notch tourist and cultural hub. The host city supplies the orchestra, venue, logistical assistance, and accommodation for the contestants, jury members, and administrative staff.
The competition’s first quarter-final features 34 participants who will deliver arias accompanied by piano. A panel of casting directors and opera luminaries from around the globe will judge the performances. Cape Town’s executive mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, officially welcomed Operalia and Placido Domingo to the city during a press conference at the Artscape Theatre Centre.
South African Talent in the Spotlight
Alvaro Domingo, Operalia’s vice president and son of Placido Domingo, disclosed that five of the 34 contestants are South African and have studied at Opera UCT in Cape Town. The South African competitors, all associated with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) and Cape Town Opera (CTO), include Nombulelo Yende (soprano), Siphokazi Molteno (mezzo soprano), Luvo Maranti (tenor), Thando Mjandana (tenor), and Sakhiwe Mkosana (baritone).
The decision to host the 30th anniversary competition in Cape Town was influenced by South Africa’s global reputation for producing exceptional singers like previous Operalia winners, Pretty Yende and Levy Sekgapane. The CPO’s CEO, Louis Heyneman, played a crucial role in securing Cape Town as the host city, recognizing the significance of a distinguished competition such as Operalia in reinforcing Cape Town’s status as an international cultural powerhouse.
Heyneman explained that the CPO eagerly grasped the opportunity to host the world’s leading opera competition. In the weeks leading up to the event, the city has been bustling with activity, arranging transportation, catering for over 50 people, and working closely with the media, who have demonstrated enthusiastic support for the contest.
Celebrating Opera in a Stunning Location
Cape Town’s executive mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, also expressed his enthusiasm for hosting Operalia, noting that the city’s focus on culture and its breathtaking location make it an ideal destination. Hill-Lewis thanked Rolex and Operalia for entrusting Cape Town with the responsibility of organizing the premier opera event with style and efficiency.
Tickets for the Operalia preliminary rounds can be purchased at Computicket, while the final round will be live-streamed by medici.tv for free. Opera aficionados can also watch the semi-finals on Operalia’s Facebook page.
As the 30th edition of Operalia unfolds in the stunning city of Cape Town, the world eagerly anticipates the emergence of the next generation of opera stars who will captivate the international stage. With a rich history and unwavering dedication to nurturing extraordinary talent, Operalia continues to be a source of hope and inspiration for aspiring opera singers across the globe.
