Bristol Proms: An interview with Pumeza Matshikiza

Making her Bristol Proms debut last year in Dido and Aeneas, sensational soprano Pumeza Matshikiza returns with Charles Hazlewood and his Bristol Proms Chamber Orchestra to perform MY LIFE IN SONG, a journey through her favourite musical repertoire.

Why have you chosen this particular repertoire for Bristol Proms?

I chose this repertoire to bring forth my musical journey, personal experiences in a slightly different performance style.

Have you performed any of these pieces before?

Some repertoire I have performed with Charles Hazlewood in Cape Town.

Which moments within the music are you most looking forward to performing? 

I'm looking forward to mixing music and poetry, and to see how these will come together with the help of Tom Morris (Bristol Old Vic Artistic Director).

What music do you most like to listen to?

Classical music and Umbhaqanga (Southern African music - popular amongst the Zulu)

On a more personal note, what do you do to relax?

Meditation, reading and long walks. Also, going to exhibitions.

Photo by Simon Fowler/Decca

Pumeza Matshikiza will perform My Life in Song with Charles Hazlewood and his Bristol Proms Chamber Orchestra in Bristol Old Vic Theatre on Tuesday 28 July at 7.30pm. Snap up your tickets here.