02.09.17  ATKV-Muziqanto, a national classical vocal competition for young adult singers with a total prize money of R105 000, is the ATKV’s annual contribution to classical vocal music in South Africa.   

The first round took place during May this year. Participants had to be between 18 and 35 years old. The second and final rounds of ATKV- Muziqanto 2017 will be held at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre in Parow on 15 and 16 September 2017. Only ten candidates nationwide are selected to take part in the second round.         

The following candidates (in no specific order) will take part: Msimelelo Mbali (bass), Cecilia Rangwanasha (soprano), Frances du Plessis (soprano), Owen Metsileng (baritone), Maruping Mokalake (tenor), Kamohelo Tsotetsi (bass baritone), Caroline Nkwe (soprano), Nkululeko Masuku (tenor), Njabulo Shozi (tenor) and Tshilidzi Ndou (baritone).

The competition continues with the second round that will take place in the auditorium of the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre on Friday 15 September from 11:00 to 16:00. There is no entrance fee for this round and no booking is necessary. Well-known pianist Elna van der Merwe will accompany the singers.

At the end of the second round, five candidates will be announced who will then take part in the final round the next evening Saturday 16 September at 19:00.

The finalists will be accompanied by the Cape Town Festival Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Richard Cock. Reservation of seats is necessary for Saturday evening’s concert. 
         
Muziqanto participants will be eligible for the following prizes:
For best interpretation of a South African work during second round: R6 000
Overall Third Prize: R15 000
Overall Second Prize: R25 000
The overall winner of Muziqanto receives R50 000

The panel of adjudicators for these two rounds are Lize Thomas (Coetzer) who is renowned for her work in the South African Opera world; well-known South African soprano Sibongile Mngoma; as well as the internationally acclaimed South African baritone Fikile Mvinjelwa.  American soprano and teacher Eugenie Chopin who has been living in South Africa for the last forty years will be the fourth member of the panel of adjudicators.

The national Afrikaans radio station RSG is the media partner of this competition.   
   
The Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre is situated in Picton Street, Parow. Safe parking is available. 

To reserve your free seats for Saturday evening 16 September, contact Louisa van Rensburg between 08:00 and 16:00 on 011 919 9009 or after hours, the project organiser, Ilse Schürmann, could be contacted at 082 851 7157.

PHOTO: Palesa Malieloa - Winner of ATKV-Muziqanto 2016