Pretty mum on royal performance
SOUTH African soprano Pretty Yende says she won’t be revealing what songs she plans on performing at the coronation of King Charles III and the queen consort just yet.
The local opera singer recently received an invitation to perform at the coronation of the king and the queen consort at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.
She is one of a select few musicians from around the globe who have been chosen to perform at the prestigious royal service.
“I do absolutely know what I’ll be performing, but for now it rests as a delightful surprise until the palace makes an official announcement in that regard,” Yende said this week.
The service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the music has been chosen to showcase talent from across the UK and the Commonwealth.
Yende says it’s a huge honour to be part of such an important occasion.
“I am humbled and honoured to have been in His Majesty’s heart for this historic and prestigious occasion in the British monarchy. I am really looking forward to it, and I am very excited. Every invitation for me is always top priority, and this one too will be nothing less than that.”
Yende also didn’t reveal what outfit she planned to wear for the occasion, but guaranteed it would be something stunning. “I am looking forward to wearing one of my favourite designers and it’ll sure be ‘pretty.’”
The 37-year-old, who hails from eMkhondo, has performed leading roles at opera houses around the world, including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. Her schedule is jam-packed with gigs around Europe and the US.
“I’ve been performing with engagements in Europe including in Paris, Berlin, Prague, Hamburg, Vienna as well as in the US … 2023 is really starting on a perfect note on my continuous and most promising #prettyjourney,” she said.