Dustin Gandof
South African Opera Singer Pretty Yende Performs at King Charles III’s Coronation Ceremony
Introduction
On May 6, 2023, the world witnessed the coronation of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. The ceremony was a grand event with members of the royal family and various dignitaries in attendance. Among the performers was South African opera singer Pretty Yende, who graced the occasion with her melodious voice. In this article, we delve into what it was like for Yende to perform at the coronation ceremony.
Pretty Yende’s Performance
According to a report by Reuters, Yende was “too excited to be nervous” when she performed at the coronation ceremony. Yende sang two pieces, “Summertime” from the opera Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin, and “Ave Maria,” a song originally written in Latin and famously arranged by Franz Schubert.
The opera singer’s performance was met with thunderous applause from the audience. Her beautiful voice and electrifying stage presence left a lasting impression on everyone present at the event.
Pretty Yende Meets King Charles
Yende had the privilege of meeting King Charles III before the coronation ceremony. The South African soprano was invited to sing at Windsor Castle by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2021, where she first met the future king.
“Meeting him was such an incredible experience,” Yende told Reuters in an interview. “I feel like he’s a kind soul. He has this calmness about him that makes everyone feel at ease.”
Yende also shared that she was humbled to be part of such an important event in history. “To sing for someone’s coronation is an honor that I never imagined I would have,” she said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South African opera singer Pretty Yende’s performance at King Charles III’s coronation ceremony was nothing short of exceptional. Her stunning voice and magnetic stage presence enchanted everyone present at the event. Yende’s experience of meeting King Charles before the ceremony shows the warmth and kindness of the future king. It was indeed an honor for Yende to perform at such a historic event, and she did not disappoint.
