On an elevated floor above the hum of Johannesburg, where glass meets skyline and the city stretches endlessly into the horizon, something extraordinary is set to unfold.
Not just a performance.
Not just a dinner.
But a carefully orchestrated experience where opera, cuisine, and purpose converge.
On 18 April 2026, The Forum Company, in collaboration with Diemersfontein Wine Estate, presents “Four Countries, Four Voices”—an immersive musical dining experience hosted at The Forum Hyde Park.
Set on the seventh floor of Hyde Park Corner, the evening promises sweeping city views—but the real spectacle will be what happens inside.
A Journey Across Continents—Through Sound and Taste
The concept is as ambitious as it is elegant.
Four countries. Four musical traditions. Four voices.
Guests will be taken on a curated journey through Europe—not by plane, but through iconic operatic arias, each paired with a bespoke culinary course inspired by the region it represents.
This is not simply background music over dinner.
It is a dialogue between plate and performance, where each note complements a flavour, and each dish echoes a story.
The culinary team at The Forum Company has crafted a four-course menu, each course thoughtfully paired with wines from Diemersfontein Wine Estate—a pairing designed not just to satisfy, but to elevate.
The result is an experience that engages every sense—taste, sound, atmosphere, and emotion.
The Voices Shaping the Night
At the heart of the evening are four rising South African opera talents—each bringing their own story, their own discipline, and their own voice to the stage.
Accompanied by pianist Andrew Duncan, the performers represent a new generation of artists stepping into global spaces while remaining rooted in local identity.
Yolisa Ngwexana (Soprano)
From Khayelitsha, Ngwexana’s journey has taken her from the University of the North to the prestigious Guildhall School of Music. With performances across Europe and South Africa, she embodies both technical excellence and international promise.
Temba Mdladlose (Baritone)
Hailing from Eswatini and currently a third-year student at the University of Cape Town Opera School, Mdladlose has already performed in productions with Opera UCT, marking him as a voice to watch.
Zintle Soga (Soprano)
A Johannesburg-based freelance artist, Soga brings both versatility and depth, backed by a Performing Arts qualification from the Tshwane University of Technology.
Nkosana Mabasa (Tenor)
From Soweto, Mabasa is currently refining his craft as a third-year vocal studies student at the Tshwane University of Technology, representing the raw talent and future of South African opera.
Together, these voices form more than a lineup—they form a narrative of emerging excellence, each performance contributing to a larger story of artistic growth and cultural expression.
More Than an Event—A Purpose-Driven Platform
While the evening promises elegance, its foundation is purpose.
“Four Countries, Four Voices” is hosted by the Excellence out of Africa Trust, a passion project founded by David Sonnenberg and Susan Sonnenberg of Diemersfontein Wine Estate.
Every ticket purchased contributes directly to the future of South African opera.
Proceeds will fund:
- Masterclasses for vocal development
- International travel bursaries
- Educational opportunities for young artists
This transforms the evening from a luxury experience into an investment in talent—a platform where guests are not just spectators, but participants in shaping artistic futures.
It is, in every sense, an event with impact.
An Atmosphere Designed for Memory
The setting itself plays a vital role.
Perched above the city at The Forum Hyde Park, the venue offers a panoramic backdrop that shifts as the evening unfolds—from golden sunset hues to the glittering lights of Johannesburg at night.
Inside, the experience is curated down to the finest detail: the pacing of courses, the sequencing of performances, the balance between intimacy and grandeur.
This is where storytelling meets staging—where every element has been considered to create not just an event, but a memory.
Tickets and Experience Details
Tickets are priced at R850 per person and are available via Quicket.
Each ticket includes:
- A four-course fine dining experience
- Wine pairings from Diemersfontein Wine Estate
- A live operatic performance featuring four rising stars
It is an offering that blends value with experience—where every rand spent contributes to both an unforgettable evening and a meaningful cause.
When Art, Culture, and Purpose Align
In a city known for its energy and diversity, events often compete for attention. But “Four Countries, Four Voices” stands apart—not because it is louder, but because it is deeper.
It invites guests to slow down.
To listen.
To taste.
To feel.
And most importantly, to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Because sometimes, the most powerful performances don’t just entertain—
they transform.
