Soprano Nombulelo Yende and Mezzo-Soprano Siphokazi Molteno both performed at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, flying the South African flag high overseas.
Cardiff, Wales (19 June 2023) – Nombulelo Yende and Siphokazi Molteno flew the South African flag in Cardiff, Wales. The talented pair performed and competed at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition, going up against some of the world’s most talented performers.
The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition takes place every two years with this being its 40th anniversary. The show is credited with launching the careers of some of the most acclaimed opera singers in the world. A total of 16 performers are invited from all around the world, to take part in the competition. There are three prizes up for grabs, the Main Prize, Song Prize and Audience Prize.
The 16 performers are chosen for this competition after undergoing three virtual rounds. Hundreds of opera performers apply but only the 16 best make it. Considering that two South African opera singers got to perform, we know local talent shines!
While neither was crowned the winner, both made it all the way through to the finals. Showcasing their incredible talents.
Nombulelo Yende
Nombulelo Yende (31), sister to famed opera singer Pretty Yende, has been building a career in her own light.
Born and raised in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga, she started singing at the age of four. She travelled to Cape Town after high school where she attended the University of Cape Town, studying Opera with Professor Virginia Davids. When she completed her studies, she set off to make her way in the world of Opera.
“Upon completing my studies I joined Oper Frankfurt’s Opera Studio in the 2021/22 season, during which time I made my European debut singing Der Huter der Schwelle des Tempels and Falke Die Frau ohne Schatten, Lover Il tabarro and Suor Dolcina Suor Angelica. My second season roles included Polya in Tchaikovsky’s Charodeyka, Die Aufseherin Elektra, Sandmännchen Hänsel und Gretel and my role debut as Tatyana in Eugene Onegin.”
Yende has several accolades already, having earned the First Female Prize, Audience Prize and several special prizes at the Stanisław Moniuszko Vocal Competition in Warsaw, Poland, 2022. She has also earned the Audience Prize at Neue Stimmen 2019, and the Grand Prize and Audience Prize at Vincenzo Bellini International Belcanto Competition 2018.
Nombulelo Yende shared her joy in being able to perform via her Instagram, saying she was grateful.
“Being part of the 16 singers that sang in the live rounds and sharing the stage with my amazingly talented colleagues was a true honour on its own and I will forever be grateful that. I have no doubt that we will be seeing more of each other on the World stages.”
Siphokazi Molteno
Siphokazi Molteno (31), from East London, is an award-winning opera singer. She graduated with degrees in music from Nelson Mandela University and the University of Cape Town.
As a young artist with Cape Town Opera, she sang Dorabella in Così fan tutte. She went on to win the Fleur Du Cap’s Best Performance in an Opera (Female) Award in both 2020 and 2022 for the role.
Siphokazi also received the 2020 Rising Star Encouragement Award in the Glyndebourne Opera Cup and received both the Ana María Martínez Encouragement Award and the Audience Choice Award at Houston Grand Opera’s Eleanor McCollum Competition in 2017.
In October 2022, she debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, playing the role of Flora in Verdi’s La Traviata. Her performance has received high praise from critics and she says her dreams have come true!
Their performances have not yet been placed online for public viewing, but you can watch them via the BBC’s website here.
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