When the finals of the 35th International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition took place in Cape Town earlier this year, it was the first time the prestigious event left the borders of Europe. And yet, with many remarkable performances at the competition over several years, it wasn’t the first time an SA singer took a top award.In 2009, soprano Pretty Yende was the first person to win every single category at the finals in Vienna. More achievements followed, with soprano Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi placing second in 2012, tenor Rheinaldt Moagi placing third in 2013, baritone Siyabulela Ntlale placing second in 2014, and tenor Levy Sekgapane claiming first place last year.This year, at a glittering gala concert directed by Christine Crouse, Cape Town Opera’s outreach and education director, and accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, it was time for soprano Noluvuyiso Mpofu to shine. She made it through the preliminary rounds, which began with 854 participants worldwide, and...
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