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Magdalene Minnaar, 24, received her Honours Degree with distinction from the University of Cape Town under the tuition of Dr. Nellie du Toit. From an early age Magdalene was an enthusiastic and passionate musician, playing violin and bassoon in various orchestras (including the National Youth Orchestra), and singing in various choirs, musicals, experimental theatre productions and ensembles. Her keen sense for adventure has led her to many interesting projects, including electronic music and DJ-ing. During her BMus degree she was awarded numerous prizes and scholarships, and continued to be a highly active chamber and orchestral violist, notably for the all-woman MUSE String Quartet and the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. She has premiered numerous South African compositions - including Braam du Toit's Salt Works - and has sung in various theatre and opera productions with acclaimed South African directors Brett Bailey, Martinus Basson, Jaco Bouwer, Angelo Gobbato and Peet Pienaar. In 2004 she won the vocal category of the ATKV/Musique competition, and also the prize for best performance of a South African work. During that year she also won the Chisholm Centenary Competition with pianist James Bailleau. She has received master classes from Mimi Coertze, Kamal Kahn, Albie van Schalkwyk, Hendrik Hofmeyr, Daniel Lichti and Stefano Algieri amongst others. She was a prize winner at last year’s UNISA National Voice Competition, and represented Africa at the Schlern International Music Festival and Competition in Italy. In the same year she won the South African Prize at the ATKV Musique Competition with duo-partner Jonathan Goldberg (guitar), and appeared on national television in the drama Known Gods. She frequently sings as soloist in concerts and sacred works - notably under the baton of Barry Smith - and remains a devoted chamber musician with a taste for the unusual. During her recent stay in England she received lessons from the American soprano Barbara Bonney, who has taken a keen interest in her career and on whose recommendation she will be commencing a two year Masters Degree at the Conservatory of Amsterdam under Vallérie Guillorié.

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