Soweto born Sibongile Mngoma was, at a very young age described, as a ‘natural diva’. Schooled in kwa-Zulu Natal, she completed a BA degree at the University of Cape Town, and went on to study honours in Drama education. She also studied opera at the UCT College of Music, under the tutelage of Sarita Stern and Angelo Gubatto. Mngoma has performed many opera roles in South Africa as well as overseas. She has performed in all the major opera houses in South Africa with most major orchestras. Oeratic roles include Zandile in Temmingh’s ENOCH PROPHET OF GOD, Clara in Gershwin’s PORGY & BESS, First Boy in Mozart’s MAGIC FLUTE, Mimi in LA BOHEME & LA BESS.
In Italy where she has been working consistently for the pas three years, she sung the roles Arbace in Bach’s CATONE IN UTICA, Didon in Puccinni’s DIDON, Idamante in Mozart’s IDOMENEO, Nandi in Khumalo’s PRINCESS MAGOGO. She has been invited to perform the role of Donna Elvira, once again, in Italy in October 2003.
She had a Xmas Concert in Drakensberg, performed at a “World Symphony Series Springs Concert” which was in Durban (Playhouse) in November 2003. She was also involved in Skouspel 2003 at the Superbowl-Sun City.
Mngoma has made name for herself as one of the very few completely cross over artists in South Africa. She easily moves from opera to classical to jazz in the same concert, hence she has become a very popular feature in the corporate market. She has won two major awards – The Standard Bank young Artist Award and the FNB Vita Award for best Opera Female Lead. |
