Sisikelelwe Mngenela is a promising young lyric coloratura soprano. She was born in the township of Sebokeng in Gauteng, South Africa and participated in eisteddfod and choir activities from an early age. She is presently a second year BA Music and Society student at the School of Music of the North-West University Potchefstroom where she completed the Diploma in Music (2020-2022).
During her diploma studies she participated in solo masterclasses with Kamal Khan (2021), Bo Rosenkull from Sweden (2021, 2022, 2023) and most recently (2023) with Dominic Wheeler from the Guildhall School for Music & Drama (London). In 2022 she participated in masterclasses with Bel Canto Boot Camp presented by Rachelle Jonck and Derrick Goff. Sisi was a recipient of the Executive Dean’s Bursary Award for the most promising final year vocal student in the Diploma of Music (2022).
Under the careful guidance of her vocal lecturer Dr Antoinette Olivier, Sisi’s repertoire comprises of composers such as Handel, Mozart and songs for cultivating principles of bel canto such as agility & legato.