Virginia Davids

PLM Stellenbosch  

Head of Vocal Studies

Cape Town based Virginia Davids studied music at the University of Stellenbosch, distinguishing herself as a singer of notable talent and winning several awards, She is at present a freelance performing artist, as well as Associate Professor in Singing at the College of Music, UCT.

Ms Davids joined CAPAB in 1986 and made her solo operatic debut in 1988, singing the title role in Verdi’s Aida in Cape Town. In 1990 she furthered her studies in Europe, performing in Vienna. Since then she has worked regularly with all the South African Arts Councils as well as Roodepoort Opera. In 1995 she was soloist in the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Beethoven’s Choral Symphony, and this was followed by performances throughout South Africa. In 1996 she was invited to sing Tosca in Harare, the first opera production in that country since independence, where she made a major contribution assisting in an advisory capacity. In 1998–99 she was one of the three highly acclaimed Divine Divas, an outstanding success in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

During her distinguished career Ms Davids has received a number of awards, including three Nederburg Opera Awards, two awards from Friends of the Nico Opera, three FNB Vita Awards — two for Opera and the other for Musical Theatre — and, in 1999, the Rapport/Rentmeester Prestige Award for Women Achievers. She is also involved in community affairs, training the Community of Faith Church Choir, directing the ComArt Choristers and directing the annual Community Festival of Carols, all in Elsies River.