WeeklySA_AdminPHILANTHROPY: ‘Four Countries, Four Voices’ blends opera, fine dining and philanthropy to support emerging South African talent…
By WSAM Reporter
A South African soprano fresh from the prestigious English National Opera stage in London will headline a high-profile charity gala at Hyde Park Corner later this month, in an event that blends music, cuisine and philanthropy.
The Excellence out of Africa Trust will present Four Countries, Four Voices at The Forum, Hyde Park Corner on April 18, bringing together four rising vocal talents for an evening designed to celebrate — and invest in — the future of South African opera.
At the centre of the programme is Cape Town-born soprano Yolisa Ngwexana, whose international career continues to gain momentum. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with distinction, Ngwexana recently covered the role of Clorinda in Rossini’s La Cenerentola with the English National Opera — a milestone that underscores her growing presence on global stages.
Her list of accolades includes multiple prizes at the Africa Lyric’s Opera Competition in Paris, further cementing her reputation as one of the country’s most promising operatic voices.
The gala will feature a unique concept pairing music and gastronomy. Each of the four singers will represent a different European country, with their performances matched to a four-course menu inspired by that nation. The dishes, prepared by The Forum’s chefs, will be complemented by wines from Diemersfontein Wine Estate. Pianist Andrew Duncan will accompany the performances. Joining Ngwexana on stage are baritone Themba Mdlalose from Eswatini, soprano Zintle Soga and tenor Nkosana Mbasa — a line-up that reflects both regional diversity and the depth of emerging vocal talent in Southern Africa.
Mdlalose, currently studying at the University of Cape Town, has already claimed top honours in international competitions and continues to build a strong stage presence.
Johannesburg-based soprano Soga brings a wealth of performance experience across major local opera platforms, while Soweto-born Mbasa represents a new generation of talent rising through academic and professional ranks.
Beyond the music, the evening carries a clear purpose. The Excellence out of Africa Trust, founded by David and Susan Sonnenberg of Diemersfontein Wine Estate, is dedicated to nurturing young South African singers through masterclasses, travel bursaries and educational support. The gala serves as both a showcase and a fundraising platform — highlighting the calibre of local talent while generating resources to ensure that emerging artists have access to international training and opportunities.
Set against the elegant backdrop of Hyde Park Corner, the event promises an immersive cultural experience, combining operatic performance with fine dining in a format that appeals to both seasoned opera enthusiasts and new audiences alike. Tickets are priced at R850 per person, inclusive of dinner, wine and the full performance, with limited seating available.
As South African artists continue to make their mark on global stages, Four Countries, Four Voices stands as a reminder that behind every success story lies a network of support — and that investing in young talent remains key to sustaining the country’s cultural legacy.
