The 5th annual Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition at The Baxter Theatre Concert Hall Rondebosch

Celebrating Five Years of Sublime Song: The Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition Announces 2026 Return
As South Africa’s only vocal competition dedicated exclusively to operetta, the annual showcase serves as a crucial bridge, preparing young artists for the unique theatrical demands of international stages.

CAPE TOWN, 06 August 2026: In a magnificent career spanning over 55 years, opera Diva AVIVA PELHAM has enchanted audiences and shared her love of song in South Africa and abroad. She has performed in countless operettas, operas and musicals, the most recent being Steven Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, where, playing the role of Madame Armfeldt, she garnered rave reviews from both the media and audience. She also works as a director and mentor, and as a testament to her enduring artistry and work ethic, AVIVA will have completed nine productions by the end of 2026.

AVIVA’s passion for young talent inspired her to initiate a competition in 2022 to raise awareness of the beauty, scope and value of operetta. Young singers are introduced to a specific repertoire and style that, while wonderfully entertaining, is also technically demanding, requiring a singer’s full artistic range - vocally, musically, and theatrically. She says, “We want to ensure that this music continues to live and inspire - and that our singers are equipped to carry it to stages around the world.”

Working with Professor JEREMY SILVER (Director of Opera UCT at the South African College of Music), AVIVA has created an invaluable platform for young classical singers. By choosing, learning and rehearsing their competition entries, vocalists have an opportunity to grow and refine their skills in preparation for local and international roles. Each vocalist is auditioned and the finalists chosen close to the competition date. On the night, they are judged according to the criteria and style of operetta.

Solo arias and duets from the German, Viennese, French, and Spanish Zarzuela traditions will be performed, with themes ranging from comedic satire to romantic entanglements and touching human experiences. Examples include the operettas Frau Luna, Der liebe Augustin, The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, Orpheus in the Underworld, La Belle Hélène and La verbena de la Paloma.

The singers acquire the knowledge of a repertoire that they may be called on to perform as part of their international careers. The competition is a golden opportunity for emerging singers to become familiar with the genre and showcase their work.

Aria Prizes : First - R10 000 | Second - R 6 000 | Third - R 3 000
Duet Prize : R10 000 shared by the duet partners
Audience Prize : R 1 000

Music lovers have been very supportive of the competition, which gives them a chance to watch, listen to and meet tomorrow’s stars, while enjoying the unique charm, elegance, and lilt that epitomise the wonderful world of operetta. “Why not bring along someone who has never experienced the magic of operetta? You might inspire a lifelong love of this timeless art form!” comments AVIVA

The Baxter Theatre Concert Hall | 18 August 2026 @ 19:00
Book at Webtickets or at the Baxter Theatre Box Office on 021 680 3989