For the first time in the history of the Fleur du Cap Awards, 2018 sees the inclusion of two Opera categories – Best Performance in an Opera (Male) and Best Performance in an Opera (Female).

“We are thrilled that two Opera categories have been added to the Fleur du Cap Awards, and very excited to see some of South Africa’s foremost operatic talent earning nominations in this inaugural year for the new awards. Opera forms such a dynamic part of Cape Town’s theatre landscape, and we can’t wait to celebrate operatic excellence alongside achievements in many other theatrical genres at the ceremony on 18 March.” Matthew Wild – Artistic Director

And the nominees are …

BEST PERFORMANCE IN AN OPERA – MALE
Fikile Mvinjelwa in Rigoletto as Rigoletto
Jaco Venter in Der Fliegende Holländer as Holländer
Lukhanyo Moyake in Rigoletto as The Duke of Mantua
Lukhanyo Moyake in Der Fliegende Holländer as Steuermann
Martin Mkhize in The Magic Flute as Papageno

BEST PERFORMANCE IN AN OPERA – FEMALE
Brittany Smith in The Magic Flute as Pamina
Johanni van Oostrum in Der Fliegende Holländer as Senta
Leah Gunter in The Magic Flute as The Queen
Noluvuyiso Mpofu in Rigoletto as Gilda
Nonhlanhla Yende in Rigoletto as Maddalena

In Rigoletto, Fikile Mvinjelwa as Rigoletto and Noluvuyiso Mpofu as Gilda

In Der Fliegende Holländer, Jaco Venter as Holländer. Photo by Nardus Engelbrecht