Sandile Mabaso

Sandile Mabaso is an opera singer and teacher based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He began his musical training at the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School, under the direction of Christian Ashley-Botha. In 2005 he obtained his Bachelor of Music from the University of Pretoria. While a student he sang the roles of Tamino in The Magic Flute (Mozart), Alfredo in Die Fledermaus (Strauss). His first professional engagement was in 2006 when he sang the role of Inkos’ Mathole in Opera Africa’s touring production of Princess Magogo (Khumalo). He toured South Africa and The Netherlands with this production.

From 2006-2007 he was a member of the Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble where he appeared in the company’s regular productions and toured Germany, France and Sweden in the productions of Showboat (Kern) and Porgy and Bess (Gershwin).
In 2009 he began studying with Prof. Werner Nel and was selected to participate in The International Baroque Symposium, held at the North West University, under the leadership of Kobie van Rensburg. In 2010 he sang the role of Acis in Acis and Galatea (Handel) also under the direction of Kobie van Rensburg. In 2012 he sang the role of Puck in The Fairy Queen (Purcell) for Umculo Cape Festival. His relationship with Umculo Cape Festival continues. He has recently translated the text of their latest productions.
In 2013 he was a finalist in the Mimi Coertse Singing Competition. In 2014 he made his solo debut with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The German art song has been his main focus along with his operatic endeavours. In 2012 he was invited to perform Dichterliebe (Schumann) at UNISA's annual An die Musik recital. He has also presented this work at the Wakkerstroom Arts Festival, Tatham Art Gallery. In 2013 he presented Brahms’ LiebesliederWalzer, opus 52 & 65 at the Odeion, Bloemfontein. In 2014, he sang On Wenlock Edge (Vaughan-Williams) in Pretoria. In 2015 He sung Die schone Mullerin in Stellenbosch.
In 2015, he toured a programme of Baroque music with harpsichordist, Andrew Cruickshank along South Africa’s garden route.
For a shortened version please contact: Mabaso.sandile@gmail.com