Experience the magic of the 4th Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition
Image: Supplied
Lovers of music, theatre, and emerging talent, mark your calendars for an enchanting evening. The highly anticipated 4th Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition will take centre stage on Monday, 4 August at 7pm at the Baxter Theatre, promising a dazzling night filled with charm, sparkle, and musical brilliance.
Established in 2022 by South Africa's beloved operatic doyenne Aviva Pelham, this competition celebrates the often-overlooked and delightful genre of operetta—characterised by its playful, poignant storytelling and rich dramatic potential. The competition serves as a vital springboard for Africa's rising vocal stars.
'This competition is about joy,' said Pelham. 'It introduces young singers to a repertoire that is wonderfully entertaining and technically demanding. We want to ensure that this music continues to live and inspire—and that our singers are equipped to carry it to stages across the world.'
Hosted in collaboration with Opera UCT and its visionary director, Professor Jeremy Silver, the competition promises to do more than simply showcase talent. It presents audiences with a unique opportunity to witness the future of classical music in Africa and for performers to evolve into the next generation of global ambassadors for the art form.
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'Operetta stretches a singer's artistic range—vocally, musically, and theatrically,' explained Silver. 'Through this competition, we are nurturing young artists who understand not only the technique but the joy and storytelling of this repertoire.'
The finalists will perform solo arias and duet pieces drawn from the vibrant Viennese, French, and Spanish Zarzuela operetta traditions, with themes ranging from comedic satire to romantic whimsy. What makes this event even more thrilling is that the competition will be judged live on the night, with winners announced in the following categories:
Aaria Prizes: First – R10 000 | Second – R6 000 | Third – R3 000
First – R10 000 | Second – R6 000 | Third – R3 000 Duet Prize: R10 000 (shared by duet partners)
R10 000 (shared by duet partners) Audience Prize:
R1 000 (voted live by the audience)
Importantly, the competition not only nurtures the next generation of operatic talent but also highlights Opera UCT's commitment to broadening access to high-quality musical training and performance opportunities. Through initiatives like this, Opera UCT continues to champion artistic excellence and cultural vitality in South Africa.
This year's competition has an added allure for audiences, as it will serve as a sneak preview of the exciting operatic season ahead, including a production of the genre's most famous and frothy masterpiece, Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss, in celebration of the composer's 200th birthday and coinciding with World Opera Day.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to cheer on Africa's operatic future and immerse yourself in the lighter side of classical music.
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