Songbirds head into semis

Jazz semi-finalists Tshepo Tshabalala, Emma de Goede, Tahira Clayton, Amy Campbell, Ellie Bignall, and Cynthia Abraham

The semi-finalists of the Unisa International Voice Competition have been announced.

Leading in the Jazz Category are Cynthia Abraham (France), Ellie Bignall (UK), Amy Campbell (SA), Tahira Clayton (USA), Emma de Goede (SA), and Tshepo Tshabalala (SA). They will compete on 30 January 2018 at 11:00 in the Z K Matthews Great Hall.

All competitors performed in Round 1 and Round 2. They had therefore two opportunities to impress the adjudicators. The audience was treated to a wide variety of some of the most popular songs from the traditional jazz repertoire, but also a selection of original and South African compositions.

Frances du Plessis, Thembinkosi Magagula, Palesa Malieloa, Siphokazi Molteno, Nombuso Ndlandla, and Cecilia Rangwanasha, all from South Africa, are through to the semi-finals in the Classical Category. The third round takes place on 31 January 2018 at 11:00 in the Z K Matthews Great Hall.

All competitors performed in Round 1 and Round 2. They had therefore two opportunities to impress the adjudicators. The second round was characterised by the large number of the popular classical arias from the classical vocal repertoire. Many of these famous arias were technical demanding and meant to showcase the candidates’ abilities.

Tickets for the semi-final rounds are sold at the door and cost R80 for adults and R60 for students and pensioners.

You can watch the early rounds here.

*By Alet Venter

Classical finalists Cecilia Rangwanasha, Nombuso Ndlandla, Thembinkosi Magagula, Siphokazi Molteno, Palesa Malieloa, and Frances du Plessis