Four Countries, Four Voices: Music Meets International Cuisine at this Charity Gala in Hyde Park

The Excellence out of Africa Trust (the passion project of David and Susan Sonnenberg, founders of Diemersfontein Wine Estate in Wellington) presents “Four Countries, Four Voices” to raise funds to support young South African singing talent.

In collaboration with Diemersfontein Wine Estate, this one-of-a-kind experience at The Forum, Hyde Park Corner on 18 April 2026, pairs four South African singers with a four-course European menu in a blending of cultures.

Four Countries Four Voices Yolisa Ngwexana and Themba Mdlalose | What's on in Joburg — Yolisa Ngwexana (left) and Themba Mdlalose (right)

An elegant gala headlined by local opera singers

Yolisa Ngwexana, a Cape Town soprano, headlines the charity gala dinner with other opera talents. An Opera for Peace Emerging Artist and Pegasus Opera Company Mentee, Yolisa recently covered the role of Clorinda in Rossini’s La Cenerentola with English National Opera in London.

Yolisa is joined by baritone Themba Mdlalose, who won First Prize (Under-22) at the Voices of South Africa International Opera Singing Competition (2020) and has performed Ridolfo in Opera UCT’s world premiere of Donizetti’s Dalinda as well as Dr Falke in Die Fledermaus.

Adding to the lineup is soprano Zintle Soga, whose operatic roles include Pamina in The Magic Flute and Adina in L’elisir d’Amore. Rounding things up is tenor Nkosana Mbasa, a third-year Vocal Arts student at Tshwane University of Technology whose career began in school choirs before leading him to competition success at national level.

The four singers are accompanied on piano by Andrew Duncan.

Four Countries Four Voices Nkosana Mabasa and Zintle Soga | What's on in Joburg — Nkosana Mabasa (left) and Zintle Soga (right)

On the “Four Countries, Four Voices” menu

Each course corresponds to a different European country: Italy, France, Germany and Czechia; matched with arias and songs from that nation prepared by The Forum’s chefs, with vegetarian alternatives available. Email [email protected] to arrange a vegetarian menu.

On arrival

As guests arrive, they are treated to a slow roasted red pepper and tomato arancini ball with basil aioli.

Antipasto (Italy)

To start, guests enjoy homemade rosemary and sea salt focaccia with garden herb butter, and a caprese salad with marinated heirloom tomatoes, buffalo bocconcini balls and fresh basil.

Entree (France)

Before the main, guests receive prawn bisque shots served with garlic and chive grissini stick.

Hauptgericht (German main)

For the main course, guests are served sauerbraten, a slow cooked marinated Osso Bucco served with creamy mustard mash, red cabbage, fine beans and apple hash, and topped with spiced beer gravy.

Dezert (Czechian dessert)

The dinner ends on a sweet note with Czechian honey cake served with vanilla mousse, blueberries and gratinated figs.

Four Countries Four Voices The Forum | What's on in Joburg — The Forum

How to book

Cost: R850pp (includes dinner, wine and performance), book via Quicket

When: Saturday, 18 April 2026 from 6pm to 10pm
Where: The Forum Hyde Park, 7th Floor Hyde Park Corner, Cnr Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, 6th Rd, Hyde Park

Website: diemersfontein.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @Diemersfontein
Instagram: @diemersfonteinwine