Angelina Kalahari

Namibian-born lyric soprano opera singer, Angelina Kalahari, has always studied privately with a number of opera luminaries, most recently with celebrated Welsh tenor, Jeffrey Talbot and well-known West End vocal coach, Mary King.

She holds a BA in Drama from the University of Cape Town, a Certificate in Psycho-Drama, as well as a Performer’s Diploma, and Teacher’s Licentiate in Drama and Singing.

In 2005 The Queen invited her to Buckingham Palace in recognition of her contribution to the music, economy and culture of the UK.

Aged twenty, and after continuing to win numerous reputable competitions and eisteddfods, mainly in South Africa, she stopped singing altogether and instead went to drama school. But prior to this change in direction, she participated as a principle in operas such as Amahl and The Night Visitors, La Boheme, and was cast as the female lead in Lock Up Your Daughters and Oliver, among other musicals.

She enjoyed the drama classes, and excelled in her studies as performer and director at the Academy of Dramatic Art and the University of Cape Town, where she completed her degree course with distinction. But she loved directing more than acting and became a rather successful theatre director, winning acclaim for her work in South Africa, the UK and Hong Kong.

Upon immigrating to the UK in 1985, she was unable to work in the theatre without an Equity card and instead started to work in the advertising industry. This eventually led to an opportunity to work in Hong Kong, where because of her drama and voice training, she was hired to do several voice-overs for a series of Cathay Pacific Airways’ television commercials and also worked as a voice dynamics facilitator, teaching presentation skills, public speaking and singing.

She teaches all styles, all ages, including presentation skills and public speaking, and prepares students for Associated Board Examinations and entrance exams to secondary schools.

Angelina was also invited to sing a recital at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. She regularly sings at a variety of venues and events both in the UK and abroad.