Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition

About

In a career spanning over 50 years, Aviva Pelham has enchanted her audiences, brightened stages and spread the love of song in South Africa and abroad. She remains a highly sought after singer, director, motivational speaker and lecturer. In 2022, Aviva’s passion for young talent inspired her to initiate a competition to raise awareness amongst our young singers and promote a re-acquaintance with a repertoire which they may well be called on to perform as part of their international careers.

The final round of the Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition invites full-time Opera UCT students to compete for solo arias and duet prizes.

2025 Competition details

Opera UCT hereby invites applications for the fourth Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition. 

CLOSING DATE: Please complete this online entry form before Friday 18 July 2025

PRELIMINARY ROUND: Tuesday 29 July 2025, from 10am onwards

FINAL ROUND: Tuesday 5 August 2025, Baxter Concert Hall, 7pm

2025 Prizes

1st Aria Prize R10 000

Duet Prize R10 000 (To be shared by the duet partners)

2nd Aria Prize R6 000

3rd Aria Prize R3 000

Audience Prize R1 000

Entrance requirements 

Required Repertoire

For Aria Prizes: 

You should prepare 2 operetta arias, chosen from the following repertoire categories:
1) German/Austrian Operetten
2) French Opérettes
3) Spanish Zarzuelas
The two arias should not be from the same work, and at least one should be in German. These should, of course, be approved by your vocal teacher. You will find scores and suggestions in the Resources folder of the opera sites on Amathuba and Vula.
Please note: arias from Les contes d’Hoffmann are not permitted, as this is classified as an opera.  

For Duet Prizes:

You must team up with another singer and prepare one duet. There is a wealth of operetta duets to choose from. You will find information in the Resources folder of the opera sites on Amathuba and Vula.