Pretty Yende: A Journey from Small Town to Opera World

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Pretty Yende’s story is an inspiring tale of perseverance and talent. Growing up in a small town in South Africa, Yende discovered her passion for singing at a young age.

Pivotal Time at UCT Opera School

At 16, she auditioned for the UCT Opera Studio but did not initially meet the admission requirements. However, the head of vocal studies Virginia Davids and Emeritus Professor Angelo Gobbato recognized her exceptional talent and potential and offered her a place in the UCT Opera School.

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Yende’s time at UCT proved to be a turning point in her career. She received rigorous training in vocal performance, stagecraft, and musical theory, and had opportunities to perform in productions and competitions that helped refine her artistry.

Pursuing Her Dream

After graduating from UCT, Yende won a bursary to study at the opera school at La Scala in Milan, Italy. She had the chance to perform with some of the world’s most renowned singers and conductors, further honing her skills and gaining valuable experience.

In 2013, Yende made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, receiving critical acclaim for her performance in Rossini’s Le Comte Ory. She has since performed at leading opera houses in Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, and Paris, receiving numerous awards and accolades for her performances.

Humble and Passionate Advocate

Despite her success, Yende remains humble and grateful for the opportunities she has been given. She is also a passionate advocate for music education and supporting young musicians. She has worked with organizations like the South African National Youth Orchestra and the South African Music Performance Rights Association to nurture the talent of the next generation of musicians.

Transformative Power of Education

Pretty Yende’s journey from UCT to the world’s most prestigious stages is a testament to the transformative power of education and nurturing young talent. As Yende continues to amaze audiences worldwide, UCT can be proud to have played a role in shaping the career of one of the world’s most celebrated sopranos.

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Amanda Wilson is a Cape Town-born journalist who covers the city’s evolving food scene for national and international outlets, tracing stories from Bo-Kaap spice shops to Khayelitsha micro-breweries. Raised on her grandmother’s Karoo lamb potjie and weekend hikes up Lion’s Head, she brings equal parts palate and pride to every assignment. Colleagues know her for the quiet warmth that turns interviews into friendships and fact-checks into shared laughter.

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