US-based opera singer Thando Mjandana has taken his “strong, clear voice” to big stages throughout Europe.
The South African tenor has performed at opera houses in the UK and now Spain.
Describe your upbringing in SA?
TM: I came from a musical background, in a Christian household, and so music was the main factor in our home. And that resulted in me being part of the Sunday school choir and eventually I became a lead singer in the choir. That carried on for some time and it boosted my confidence which came in handy when I joined the school choir. I was then exposed to choral music and later opera music. I have always known that I had potential because nothing made me happier than standing in front of a massive audience and singing. There was something special about pleasing people through music. It started as a hobby and never did I think it would be a career until I advanced to the University of Cape Town to study music. That’s where things became a reality and I learnt that this is now a career and not just a hobby.
How do you feel about taking part in 'Theodora' at Teatro Real de Madrid?
TM: Nothing feels better than knowing that you are performing on stages that some of your idols have performed on. It is even more exciting that I get to perform alongside the greatest, or rather icons we look up to, Joyce DiDonato just to name one.
Having been part of this production has been an absolute pleasure, because Handel is one of the composers I fell in love with when I started this journey and it’s thrilling to present it in front of a Madrid audience.
What does the move mean for you and your craft?
TM: Making a house debut at Teatro Real meant everything to me. Having that recognition from such a prestigious opera house opens many doors for me and uplifts my craft. I get to work with some of the amazing conductors and directors building and maturing my craft, so that definitely brings light into my life as an artist.
Which is the dream or ideal theatre to perform at?
TM: I have quite a few dream houses I’d love to perform in and I have already ticked off two of those — the Royal Opera House in the UK and Teatro Real. I would say Metropolitan Opera House [New York] is at the top of the list.
What does winning the 2022 Voice of Black Opera and being an Operalia semifinalist mean to you and your career?
TM: I take competitions as a step higher on the ladder, mainly because the jury consists of casting directors from all over the world, and being in front of them in a competition is golden. Being part of VOBO has of course opened some doors for me and most probably for some other black singers too.
Operalia is one of the most prestigious Opera competitions in the world, and as I have mentioned, being in front of such a powerful jury speaks volumes and I was honoured to have been part of that.
5 minutes with opera singer Thando Mjandana
Image: Supplied
US-based opera singer Thando Mjandana has taken his “strong, clear voice” to big stages throughout Europe.
The South African tenor has performed at opera houses in the UK and now Spain.
Describe your upbringing in SA?
TM: I came from a musical background, in a Christian household, and so music was the main factor in our home. And that resulted in me being part of the Sunday school choir and eventually I became a lead singer in the choir. That carried on for some time and it boosted my confidence which came in handy when I joined the school choir. I was then exposed to choral music and later opera music. I have always known that I had potential because nothing made me happier than standing in front of a massive audience and singing. There was something special about pleasing people through music. It started as a hobby and never did I think it would be a career until I advanced to the University of Cape Town to study music. That’s where things became a reality and I learnt that this is now a career and not just a hobby.
How do you feel about taking part in 'Theodora' at Teatro Real de Madrid?
TM: Nothing feels better than knowing that you are performing on stages that some of your idols have performed on. It is even more exciting that I get to perform alongside the greatest, or rather icons we look up to, Joyce DiDonato just to name one.
Having been part of this production has been an absolute pleasure, because Handel is one of the composers I fell in love with when I started this journey and it’s thrilling to present it in front of a Madrid audience.
What does the move mean for you and your craft?
TM: Making a house debut at Teatro Real meant everything to me. Having that recognition from such a prestigious opera house opens many doors for me and uplifts my craft. I get to work with some of the amazing conductors and directors building and maturing my craft, so that definitely brings light into my life as an artist.
Which is the dream or ideal theatre to perform at?
TM: I have quite a few dream houses I’d love to perform in and I have already ticked off two of those — the Royal Opera House in the UK and Teatro Real. I would say Metropolitan Opera House [New York] is at the top of the list.
What does winning the 2022 Voice of Black Opera and being an Operalia semifinalist mean to you and your career?
TM: I take competitions as a step higher on the ladder, mainly because the jury consists of casting directors from all over the world, and being in front of them in a competition is golden. Being part of VOBO has of course opened some doors for me and most probably for some other black singers too.
Operalia is one of the most prestigious Opera competitions in the world, and as I have mentioned, being in front of such a powerful jury speaks volumes and I was honoured to have been part of that.
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