South African soprano fresh from English National Opera headlines CHARITY Gala at Hyde Park Corner

A Cape Town soprano who recently performed with English National Opera in London will headline a charity gala dinner at The Forum, Hyde Park Corner on 18 April 2026, raising funds to support young South African singing talent.

Four Countries, Four Voices, presented by The Excellence out of Africa Trust in collaboration with Diemersfontein Wine Estate, pairs four South African singers with a four-course European menu. Each course corresponds to a different European country, matched with arias and songs from that nation, prepared by The Forum’s chefs. Wines are provided by Diemersfontein Wine Estate and the singers will be accompanied on piano by Andrew Duncan. Vegetarian alternatives are available.

The Excellence out of Africa Trust was founded by David and Susan Sonnenberg of Diemersfontein Wine Estate in Wellington. It raises funds to support young South African singers through masterclasses, travel bursaries and study subsidies.

Artist Bios:

  • Yolisa Ngwexana (Soprano) from Cape Town, holds a Guildhall Artist Master’s in Performance (Opera) from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating with Distinction. An Opera for Peace Emerging Artist and Pegasus Opera Company Mentee, she recently covered the role of Clorinda in Rossini’s La Cenerentola with English National Opera in London. She won First Prize, the Audience Prize and the Signature Foundation Prize at the Africa Lyric’s Opera Competition in Paris (2024) and continues to perform across Europe and beyond.
  • Themba Mdlalose (Baritone) from Eswatini, is an undergraduate opera student at the University of Cape Town. He won First Prize (Under-22) at the Voices of South Africa International Opera Singing Competition (2020) and has performed Ridolfo in Opera UCT’s world premiere of Donizetti’s Dalinda and Dr Falke in Die Fledermaus. In 2026, he was a semi-finalist in the 7th UNISA International Voice Competition.
  • Zintle Soga (Soprano) is a Johannesburg-based freelance soprano with a Performing Arts degree from Tshwane University of Technology. Her operatic roles include Pamina in The Magic Flute and Adina in L’elisir d’Amore. She has performed with Johannesburg Opera, appeared in productions with Cape Town Opera and Sempre Opera, and was a finalist in the Amazwi Omzantsi Competition.
  • Nkosana Mbasa (Tenor) from Soweto, is a third-year Vocal Arts student at Tshwane University of Technology. His career began in school choirs and led to competition success at national level. He has worked with professional musicians across South Africa and undertook a masterclass at an institution in the United Kingdom, gaining experience on the international stage at an early age.

Event Details:

  • Four Countries Four Voices
  • Date: 18 April 2026 at 18h00
  • Venue: The Forum, Hyde Park Corner
  • Price: From R850
  • Tickets: Available online via Quicket here
  • Age Restriction: No under 18

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