Mezzo-soprano Nonhlanhla Yende joins the Klein Karoo Klassique stage in Oudtshoorn for the first time. As one of South Africa’s rising opera stars, she takes part in the Klein Karoo Klassique Gala Concert on Saturday 9 August at 19:30, performing some of the most beloved arias in the operatic repertoire.
We caught up with her ahead of this debut performance to talk about her repertoire, working with maestro Richard Cock, and the power of performing in an intimate setting.
This is your first time performing at Klein Karoo Klassique in Oudtshoorn – what excites you most about taking part in this festival and its Gala Concert?
What excites me is that Klein Karoo Klassique brings together artists from different genres and backgrounds. It’s a new setting for me, and I look forward to connecting with a new audience and forming meaningful professional relationships.
Also, I’ve always wanted to work with maestro Richard Cock. I’ve seen the amazing work he’s done in creating platforms for both emerging and experienced artists, and I’ve always hoped to perform under his baton.
Tell us more about the repertoire you’ll be performing – what do these arias mean to you?
I chose three arias that contrast in style, but all showcase strong, powerful women.
The first is Dorabella’s aria from Così fan tutte by Mozart – “Ah! scostati… Smanie implacabili”. It’s full of energy, passion, and youthful fire. There’s love, rage, and fear all in one. It was also the first role I ever performed as a young artist, so it holds deep personal meaning. And vocally, Mozart’s music is always refreshing and healthy for the voice – I call it a remedy!
Then there’s the Habanera from Carmen by Bizet. It’s flirtatious and vibrant, showing a woman who’s confident, expressive, and in control. Carmen is one of my dream roles, and I hope to play her someday. I also love singing in French, which adds to the enjoyment for me.
Lastly, Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix from Samson et Dalila by Saint-Saëns is one of my all-time favourites. I love the orchestration and how the emotions are woven into the accompaniment. It pushes me artistically, helps me stretch my phrasing and range, and allows me to sing in those beautiful, long French lines. I’d love to perform Dalila in a full production one day.
Klein Karoo Klassique offers an intimate concert setting. How does this compare to the large international stages you’ve performed on?
Intimate performances are my favourite. While I enjoy big international stages, there’s something very special about a smaller space where I can connect directly with the audience. I can feel their energy and even sense their breathing – it creates an exchange that’s powerful and immediate.
In a space like this, the audience becomes part of the scene. Whether it’s Dorabella, Carmen or Dalila, I feel like I can bring them right into that world. I love that closeness, being able to catch someone’s eye and know they’re truly with me.
And how does performing in South Africa compare to performing abroad?
Performing internationally is exciting and rewarding – we work hard to travel the world and step into the shoes of those who came before us. But performing at home is different. It fills me up.
When you’re constantly travelling, living out of suitcases and moving from hotel to hotel, you give a lot of yourself. It’s easy to run on empty. Performing in South Africa re-anchors me. It revives me and refills my cup. It’s empowering.
That’s why I always make a point to schedule performances here at home – whether for my community or a South African audience. It’s very close to my heart, and I’m incredibly excited to be singing at Klein Karoo Klassique.
Joining her on stage for the Klein Karoo Klassique Gala Concert are the Cape Town Festival Orchestra, conducted by maestro Richard Cock and the Charl du Plessis Trio [Charl du Plessis (piano), Werner Spies (double bass), Peter Auret (drums)].
Tickets can be purchased online or from the KKNK office. Remaining tickets will also be on sale at the door before each recital.
Klein Karoo Klassique is presented by the KKNK, made possible by the Rupert Music Foundation and the ATKV, with support from Le Lude and the Oudtshoorn Municipality.
Accommodation sponsors include Argyll B&B, Beit Shalom Guesthouse, Cul De Sac Country House, De Zeekoe Guest Farm, Hlangana Lodge, Kleinplaas Holiday Resort, Mooiplaas Country Guest House, Queen’s Hotel, Protea Hotel Riempie Estate, Ravenscliff Manor, and Rosenhof Country House.
For more information, visit klassique.co.za or contact the KKNK office via email at info@kunste.org.za, by phone at 044 203 8600, or send a WhatsApp to 065 285 2337.