07.09.2016  The top ten semi-finalists for this year’s ATKV-Muziqanto competitions have been announced.

They are (in no specific order): Chuma Sijeqa (baritone), Cecilia Rangwanasha (soprano), Khumbuzile Dhlamini (soprano), Bongani Mthombeni (tenor), S’Bongile Mntambo (soprano), Palesa Malieloa (soprano), Fikile Mthetwa (mezzo soprano), Frances du Plessis (lyrical soprano), Siphokazi Moltena (mezzo soprano) and Leah Gunter (soprano).

ATKV-Muziqanto, a national classical vocal competition for young adult singers with a total prize money of R91 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 will be held at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre in Parow on 23 and 24 September 2016. Only ten candidates nationwide are selected to take part in the second round.         

The competition starts with the second round that will take place in the auditorium of the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre on Friday 23 September from 11:00 to 17:00.

There is no entrance fee for this round and no booking is necessary. Philippus Hugo and Victor Tichart will accompany the singers on piano.

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 24 September at 19:00.

The finalists will be accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Brandon Phillips. Reservation of seats is necessary for Saturday evening’s concert.

Muziqanto participants will be eligible for the following prizes:

- Prize for the best interpretation of a South African work during the second round: R6 000
- Overall Third Prize: R15 000
- Overall Second Prize: R25 000
- The overall winner of Muziqanto receives R45 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 bass Rouel Beukes; as well as the head of the University of KwaZulu-Natal ‘s Opera School, Lionel Mkhwanazi. Jaunelle Celaire, voice lecturer at the University of Alaska ‘s Fairbanks campus in the USA 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 24 September contact Louisa van Rensburg between 08:00 and 16:00 on 011 919 9009 during office hours.

The project organiser, Ilse Schürmann, may be contacted on 082 851 7157 after hours.

Photo: Noluvuyiso Mpofu - Winner of ATKV-Muziqanto 2015