Originally from the Eastern Cape, mezzo-soprano Bongiwe Nakani grew up in the informal settlement of Khayelitsha, Cape Town. She started her interest in singing at the age of 7 years with the help from her older sister who used to take her to choir rehearsals and choral competitions. Having gained a Performers Diploma degree at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town, she made her debut as Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia, in the 2013 production by the Cape Town Opera. She is currently singing in the Ensemble at the Vienna State Opera in Austria where her roles include Suzuki from Madama Butterfly, Schwerlite from Walküre and Ulrica from Un ballo in maschera. She recently made her house debut at the Volksoper as Maria in Porgy and Bess. Bongiwe won 3rd Prize winner in the 2015 Neue Stimmen International Singing Competition, was a Finalist and Audience Prize winner at the 2016 Deborah Voight International Singing Competition and a semi-finalist at the Placido Domingo Operalia International Singing Competition held in Mexico 2016.

Available on Monday 6th February 2023 at 1800 CET  / 1700 London  / 1200   NY