Pretty Yende’s performance at the opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral has been described as ‘absolutely breathtaking’
Image: Gregor Hohenberg
The South African opera soprano Pretty Yende performed a note--perfect rendition of Amazing Grace at the grand re-opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral on Saturday, December 7.
Directed by the Venezuelan conductor, Gustavo Dudamel, she performed the first verse a cappella in the resonant cathedral acoustic. Yende was backed by sweeping accompaniment from the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.
Pretty Yende’s performance has been described as ‘absolutely breathtaking.' The South African operatic soprano has risen to the top of the opera world with unparalleled speed.
Yende also performed at the coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey. She became the first African solo artist to perform at the coronation of a British monarch, where she sang "Sacred Fire," a piece written by composer Sarah Class specifically for the occasion.
She has had leading roles at opera houses internationally, including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera.
Born in Piet Retief, Yende was inspired to learn opera at age 16 after seeing a British Airways TV advertisement that featured the Flower Duet from Lakmé.
She won first prize in operetta and opera at the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition 2009 in Vienna. In 2010, Yende won prizes at three competitions: first prize at the Vincenzo Bellini International Competition and first prize at the International Singing Competition of Savonlinna Opera Festival. In 2011, she won first prize at Operalia, held that year in Moscow.
She made the 2023 list of 100 most influential Africans while holding the title of ambassador with the French luxury brand, Dior.
IOL Entertainment