The Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Joseph Haydn’s Creation, under the baton of Alexander Fokkens, well known for conducting choral performances. The Rhodes University Choir, directed by John McGuiness, will join the ECPO for this performance.

The Oratorio features soprano Mandie de Villiers-Schutte, holder of a MMus (cum laude) & winner of the 2006 South African student opera competion. She has performed in various productions including L’elisir d’amore (Gianetta), Rita (Rita), Zauberflöte (Pamina), Le Nozzi di Figaro (Susannah), Hänsel und Gretel (Gretel) and Fledermaus (Adele). She has also performed as soloist in various oratorios including the St John’s Passion, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Haydn’s Creation.

De Villiers-Schutte is currently a part-time vocal coach at the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University. 

Tenor Sunnyboy Dladla’s involvement in music began at school in Mpumalanga, singing in the choir, representing Mpumalanga as a soloist in the 2003 Tirisano National School’s Choir Competition. Since joining the UCT College of Music’s Opera School, he has performed in numerous opera roles.

In 2009 he was invited to take part in the International Turandot competition for young artists in Verona, and won the opportunity to perform the role of Pong in Puccini’s Turandot. He is currently studying for his BMus Hons, and preparing for performances in Rossini’s Il Viaggio a reims and Strauss’ Rosenkavalier with Cape Town Opera during May and June.

Musa Ngqungwana holds a Performer’s Diploma from the UCT Opera School, and is currently studying for his BMus Hons. His opera roles include L’hotelier in Massenet’s Manon, Leporello in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and Dulcamarar in Donazetti’s L’elisir D’amore. He won the role of Ping in the International Turandot competition, performing at the Teatro Filarmonica in Verona in 2009.

In June 2010 he will be performing in the International Hans Gabor Belvedere competition in Vienna, and in September he takes up a position as resident artist at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.