Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha wins Song Prize at BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2021  

Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha completed her Postgraduate Diploma at the University of Cape Town, studying with Virginia Davids, and took a BTech in Vocal Art (Performance) with Kiewiet Pali at Tshwane University of Technology.

In London, she was a member of the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme in the 2019/20 Season. 

She impressed the judging panel, chaired by Wigmore Hall’s artistic and executive director John Gilhooly, with performances of Schubert’s Gretchen am Spinnrade - D118; BPJ Tyamzashe’s song in the Xhosa language Isithandwa Sam; Lizst’s Die Lorelei - S273; and Betty Jackson King’s Ride up in the chariot.

The Song Prize competition showcases the voices of 14 of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2021 contestants in performances of lieder and art songs, accompanied by pianists Llŷr Williams and Simon Lepper.

Following four preliminary rounds, the Song Prize Final featured performances by Malagasy baritone Michael Arivony; Austrian soprano Christina Gansch; Welsh soprano Sarah Gilford; and baritone Gihoon Kim from Republic of Korea.

The Song Prize final took place at St David's Hall in Cardiff, without an audience in attendance due to the pandemic. 

John Gilhooly said: 'We have been treated to some outstanding performances of song repertoire from all of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Song Prize Finalists this evening. It’s inspiring to know that the future of this great art form is secured with so much talent clearly emerging.

'Sadly, there could only be one winner, and Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha performed with such assured technique and emotional power, that the jury was unanimous in naming her the winner. We look forward to hearing these wonderful singers again in the future, in concerts around the UK and beyond.'

BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2021 continues on Saturday 19 June, when the Main Prize Final is broadcast as live on BBC Four and BBC Radio 3 at 7:30PM.