Pumeza Matshikiza

Biography Highlights

Bess in Porgy and Bess (in concert), Puccini Gala concert performances with Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov at the Hungarian State Opera and at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, solo recital at Paris' Le Théâtre de l'Œuvre, debut with the LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl

Role debut in the title role of Aida at the Staatsoper Hannover; world premiere of Jake Heggie’s Good Morning, Beauty at the Barbican in London, Puccini Gala concert in Bucharest with Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov, 4 city Christmas tour in the UK with Sir Bryn Terfel; debut at the Teatro alla Scala in the world premiere of Giorgio Battistelli’s CO2, staged by Robert Carsen, both Bess and Serena in a new production of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess at the Theater an der Wien. First US appearance as Mimì in Puccini’s La bohème at The Dallas Opera, followed by debuts in the same role both at the Semperoper Dresden and Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden. As an ensemble member of Staatsoper Stuttgart: Micaёla Carmen, Susanna Le nozze di Figaro, and Pamina Die Zauberflöte, Mařenka in Smetana’s The Bartered Bride at Garsington Opera, the Fox in Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen at the English National Opera. Role debut of Dvořák’s Rusalka at Stadttheater Klagenfurt, and in new productions in Strasbourg and Antwerp, European tour with Rolando Villazón.

Discography

Voice of Hope

Arias (2016)

Tippett: A Child of our Time

A Celebration of Paul Reade

Reviews & Press

Classical Pride

Matshikiza’s voice was the perfect match – it has a deliciously creamy quality that is maintained even above the stave – and she tackled (without score) its shifting moods (opulent intensity, a lighter section underscored with a scuttling melody in the orchestra, a rhythmic, driving figure, and a closing shimmer) with self-assured excellence.

 

- Barry Creasy , Opera + Classical Music Reviews

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Garsington Opera - Smetana - The Bartered Bride - Marenka

Pumeza Matshikiza plays her with an endearing attitude while singing with gorgeously rich tone

 

- John Allison , Telegraph

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Naturally Marenka is a standout—and in this case the beautiful Pumeza Matshikiza simply makes me want to see her in more roles. She has a luscious, captivating voice that I want to hear in Verdi and Puccini and Janacek; her acting is totally convincing.

 

- Plays to See

Leading from the front as the restless, discontented Marenka was South African soprano Pumeza Matshikiza who has all the makings of a great diva. Her voice has great power with a warm, creamy texture that envelops the words to great effect.

 

- London Unattached

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Stage Highlights

At a glance: Pumeza Matshikiza: news & press

2024-07-13

Pumeza Matshikiza joins TACT

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