Diemersfontein stages 10th birthday fundraiser concert in London
2010-07-01
AN eclectic mix of songs from popular opera Carmen, interspersed with Shosholoza, Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro Letter Duet and ‘The Click Song’ reverberated in the historic church of St James in Piccadilly, central London last week; the start of year-long celebrations for Diemersfontein wine estate’s 10th birthday. Appearing as the headline act was South African soprano Pretty Yende, currently studying at La Scala in Milan and soon to appear in the World Cup concert with Andrea Bocelli. Alongside Pretty were fellow South Africans Runette Botha and Njabulo Madlala. Excellence out of Africa, so entitled because of the “huge pride in the enormous talent South Africa has produced” felt by concert organisers and Diemersfontein owners David and Sue Sonnenberg; the concert had the dual aim of raising study funds for young operatic performers from South Africa. “There is a growing community of talented young South Africans who are on the cusp of making great strides internationally; or who are already doing so,” David said. “We’ve been lucky enough to host some of them by holding benefit concerts to raise funds towards their study or travel internationally. On this occasion Pretty Yende ploughed back into the fund by providing her services for the benefit of other performers.” The audience was enraptured by the three singers; the African songs moving those with South African roots in particular. Runette Botha, originally from Pretoria and also a rising soprano star, is currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music; while Njabulo Madlala recently won the Kathleen Ferrier award for opera singing and has completed his studies at the Cardiff International Academy of Voice. Diemersfontein and Thokozani wines were poured at a reception held afterwards at Le Meridien hotel, where most of the 300 guests chatted to the artists after the show. Funds raised at the concert will also benefit Wellington Preparatory School.
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