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by Letitia Degraft Okyere (Author)
Pretty Yende, the solo soprano from in South Africa, shares her gift with audiences around the world. Pretty was sixteen years old when she first heard opera, watching a British Airways commercial played to the "Flower Duet" from Lakmé, composed by Léo Delibes. She marveled at the power of the voices, and it ignited a spark in her heart. Pretty abandoned her plans to study accountancy to pursue her dream of becoming a professional opera singer. Pretty's journey took her to the Ndlela Secondary School choir. She received training from some of South Africa's best at the University of Cape Town. Her debut as Countess Adèle in Le comte Ory in New York launched her career. Since then, she has performed on opera's most prestigious stages, receiving standing ovations and breaking glass ceilings. Pretty's desire has always been to share the beauty and variety of classical music with others. For Pretty, if she can live her dream, then it is possible for others to do the same. It all begins with finding the courage to say yes.
