The Gala Launch of Mandela Bay Opera – a landmark moment for our city and for South African opera will take place in the latter half of September.
This unforgettable evening will feature a dynamic blend of ensembles, choruses, and arias showcasing the very best of local talent, alongside the radiant artistry of homegrown international soprano Andiswa Makana.
This event is the official launch of Mandela Bay Opera. This landmark event celebrates the beginning of a bold new chapter for opera in Nelson Mandela Bay. Internationally acclaimed soprano Andiswa Makana takes centre stage alongside a vibrant children’s choir, Le Strada choir of Nelson Mandela University, local singers, and a skilled instrumental ensemble. Together they will present a programme of beloved opera arias and choruses.
Andiswa says that she is a South African Jugendlich Dramatischer Sopran, manking her way into the Opera World and Career. Currently living in Cologne, Germany but ready to conquer the whole world with her God-given instrument.
- Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025
- Time: 19:00
- Venue: Opera House, Mandela Bay Theatre Complex
Tickets are available now via Webtickets:
Seats are limited, so secure yours early and be part of history in the making.
Born and raised in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, Andiswa Makana is one of four children.
She attended Hoerskool Linkside and enrolled at the Stageworld Theater College in GQ where she studied Drama and Musical Theater. She obtained her Trinity Certificate. A year later she enrolled in the Tshwane University’s Vocal Art (opera) Department where she completed her B-Tech Degree in 2012. In 2013, she was awarded a scholarship to study in Germany through participation in the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival. She is currently studying her Masters in the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Cologne.
Andiswa has performed a number of roles both at training and professional level. Some of her highlights include singing the role of Winnie Madikizela Mandela and she managed to perform the main role.
Some of her achievements are Winner of 1st Prize in the bi-annual prestigious Mimi Coertse Scholarship Competition in 2015 and 2nd Prize winner in the much acclaimed 2015 SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition.
