KNYSNA NEWS - A former student of Percy Mdala High School has been offered a prestigious internship at the Mannheim Opera House in Germany, but before he leaves he will end off his career in South Africa on a high note – pun intended.

Xolane Marman was born to a single mother in Flenters, one of the most indigent areas in Knysna, 28 years ago, and clearly was seen to be talented as at the age of nine he was already singing in his primary school and community choirs.

After writing his matric exam at Percy Mdala he studied accountancy at Port Elizabeth Technikon, but his musical aspirations to stand on a stage and sing and act overtook his future at an office desk and he was off to the UCT College of Music Opera School.

This year has been a major achievement for Xolane as he has not only achieved a postgraduate diploma in music performance but is one of only a few who is on the "dean’s list”.

Xolane has now been offered an internship at the Mannheim Opera House in Germany, due to start on 6 January 2018. Before he leaves, though, he will be coming to Knysna to entertain the community where his love for music started.

To this end, the Rotary Club of Knysna is hosting a benefit concert on 1 December at the St George’s Church hall. 

Xolane and his colleague Athenkosi Hoyi will be singing light music from the operas.

The pair are also part of the UCT Operatic Quartet performing on 22 November for the Knysna Music Society at the NG Church hall.

Tickets for the event on 1 December are R125, and are available from Rawsons Properties in Grey Street, Knysna. The proceeds will go towards funding this worthy student.

For more information on both events, contact Joan Huskisson on 083 681 7300.

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