South African singers Nombulelo Yende and Siphokazi Molteno showcased their exceptional talent at the 30th Opera World Cup, Operalia, held in Cape Town. Yende was among the 12 finalists, while Molteno advanced to the final round in the Zarzuela category. With over $200,000 in total prize money, Operalia draws diverse voices from around the globe, and South Africa’s representation in the finals underscores the country’s thriving opera landscape. The event also aimed to inspire future generations of opera singers, aligning with the African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child.”
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.
Cape Town Welcomes Placido Domingo’s Operalia 2023: A Celebration of Operatic Excellence
Cape Town is hosting Placido Domingo’s Operalia 2023, a prestigious international opera competition, in October and November. The event will take place at the Artscape Opera House and features participants from 15 countries, including South Africa. The competition has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous gifted singers, and Operalia’s vice president has highlighted the substantial representation of South African talent among the 34 successful candidates. The event is poised to leave a lasting impression on the local arts scene, offering a platform for the next generation of extraordinary singers.