Birth

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March 6, 1985 in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, South Africa

 

Pretty Yende is a South African soprano who has taken the classical music world by storm with her stunning voice and captivating performances. Born on March 6, 1985, in Piet Retief, a small town in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, Yende grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a choir conductor and her father played the guitar, and they encouraged her to pursue music from a young age. Yende began singing in her church choir and quickly developed a love for opera. She studied at the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town, where she earned a diploma in opera performance. She then went on to study at the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, where she honed her skills and developed her unique voice. Yende made her professional debut in 2010 at the Teatro Regio di Torino in Italy, where she played the role of Barbarina in Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro." She quickly gained recognition for her talent and was invited to perform at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. One of Yende's most notable performances was her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2013, where she played the role of Countess Adèle in Rossini's "Le Comte Ory." Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she was praised for her "luminous voice" and "effortless agility." She has since returned to the Metropolitan Opera to perform in productions of "La Traviata," "L'Elisir d'Amore," and "Don Giovanni." Yende has also performed at the Royal Opera House in London, where she played the role of Rosina in Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia." Her performance was again met with critical acclaim, and she was praised for her "sparkling coloratura" and "charming stage presence." She has also performed at the Paris Opera, the Berlin State Opera, and the Vienna State Opera, among others. In addition to her performances on stage, Yende has also released several albums. Her debut album, "A Journey," was released in 2016 and features a collection of arias from some of the most famous operas in the world. The album was a commercial success and received critical acclaim, with The New York Times calling Yende "a major new star in the operatic firmament." Yende has also received numerous awards and accolades for her work. In 2011, she won first prize in the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, which helped launch her career. She has also been awarded the Order of the Star of Italy, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a foreign national by the Italian government, for her contributions to the arts. Yende's success has been a source of inspiration for many young musicians in South Africa and around the world. She has become a role model for aspiring opera singers, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. She has also been an advocate for music education and has worked to promote the importance of music in schools. In conclusion, Pretty Yende is a remarkable talent who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Her stunning voice, captivating performances, and inspiring story have earned her a place among the most celebrated opera singers of our time. She continues to inspire audiences around the world with her artistry and passion for music.

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