Tenor Musa Senaoana toHeadline Kinston’s Free Performance of Handel’s “Messiah”
Acclaimed South African tenor Musa Senaoana will grace the stage in Kinston, North Carolina, for a free performance of Handel’s beloved oratorio, “Messiah.” The event promises to be a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar, fittingly taking place during the holiday season.
Senaoana’s journey to the international stage began at the South African College of Music, where he honed his craft under the guidance of esteemed mentors Hanna van Niekerk and Prof. Kamal Khan. He further cultivated his talent as an alumnus of the renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir School, a distinguished institution known for nurturing exceptional vocal talent.
His career has taken him to renowned opera houses and concert venues worldwide. From the Teatro Real Madrid and Aalto-Musiktheater Essen to the Asia Cultural Centre in South Korea, Senaoana has captivated audiences with his powerful voice and commanding presence. Since relocating to Germany, he has established himself as a prominent fixture in European opera, performing regularly at prestigious venues such as Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern and Theater Aachen.
In recent years, Senaoana has expanded his reach to the United States, gracing the stages of Tulsa Opera, the Ithaca Opera Festival, and San Diego Opera. His ongoing partnership with the Dutch Nationale Opera and Ballet since 2021 further testifies to his exceptional abilities, culminating in a recent performance with the company in May 2023.
A Treasured Tradition
“Messiah has become a treasured tradition in Kinston, drawing audiences from across the region,” a statement from the event organizers emphasizes. Senaoana’s performance is set to be a memorable addition to this cherished tradition. Known for his expressive tenor voice and commanding stage presence, Senaoana promises to deliver a moving rendition of Handel’s masterpiece.
“The event emphasizes accessibility, aiming to enrich all attendees spiritually and culturally,” organizers continue. Admission to the performance is free, with donations gratefully accepted.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit the “Kinston/Lenoir County Messiah” page on Facebook.
How did Musa Senaoana’s experience at the South African College of Music shape him as a musician?
## A Messiah for the Holidays: Interview with Musa Senaoana
**Welcome, Musa. Thanks for joining us today.**
**Musa Senaoana:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**You’re preparing for a very special performance in Kinston, North Carolina. What can you tell us about it?**
**Musa Senaoana:** I’m truly excited to be headlining Handel’s “Messiah” in Kinston. It’s a timeless masterpiece, and performing it during the holiday season makes it even more special. The fact that it’s a free performance for the community is fantastic – everyone deserves access to the beauty of classical music.
**”Messiah” is a beloved work with some incredibly demanding music. What are you most looking forward to about tackling these challenging arias?**
**Musa Senaoana:** Handling the technical aspects is definitely a thrill, but for me, it’s about connecting with the story and the emotions behind the music. “Messiah” is a powerful exploration of faith, hope, and redemption, and sharing those themes with the audience is deeply fulfilling.
**Your journey began at the South African College of Music. How did that experience shape you as a musician?**
**Musa Senaoana:**
The South African College of Music provided me with an exceptional foundation. My mentors, Hanna van Niekerk and Prof. Kamal Khan, were incredibly supportive and helped me develop both my vocal technique and my understanding of music as an art form.
**What can the Kinston community expect from your performance?**
**Musa Senaoana:** A heartfelt and engaging interpretation of “Messiah” that will hopefully resonate with everyone in the audience. It’s a performance filled with passion, power, and the joy of sharing this truly magnificent work of art.
**Thank you so much for your time, Musa. We look forward to hearing you in Kinston!**
