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.
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
The competition is adjudicated by a panel of widely recognised and experienced professional musicians.
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
This competition is open to any full-time Opera UCT student at the SACM who is in good academic standing.
For Aria Prizes:
You should prepare 2 operetta arias, chosen from the following repertoire categories:
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.
Singers may enter in both aria and duet categories.
All music must be memorised for both rounds.
2024
1st Aria Prize: Carmen Traut
Duet Prize: Karabo Rabaloi & Luvo Maranti
2nd Aria Prize: Sisa Mjekula
3rd Aria Prize: Setsoane Ntseki; Nica Reinke
Audience Prize: Ntombi Nkosi
2023
1st Aria Prize: Molly Dzangare
Duet Prize: Ondelwa Martins & Sakhumzi Martins
2nd Aria Prize: Yonwaba Mbo
3rd Aria Prize: Lauren Pharaoh; Frances van Vuuren
2022
1st Aria Prize: Sanele Bambatha Mwelase
2nd Aria Prize: Christine Bam
3rd Aria Prize: Setsoane Jeanette Ntseki
Audience Prize: Christine Bam
The competition is adjudicated by a panel of widely recognised and experienced professional musicians. Previous adjudicators have included: Aviva Pelham, Christine Crouse, Johannes van Staden-Slabbert, Musa Ngqungwana
