ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Rejected from his school choir as a youngster and overlooked for roles in local community theatre, Cape Town-born vocalist Selim Kagee seemed destined for a career far removed from the stage.
Today, he performs for audiences around the world, and on Sunday 26 July, Garden Route audiences will have the opportunity to experience his acclaimed concert, Il Mondo, at the George Arts Theatre.
Kagee’s fortunes changed at the age of 20 when he met retired opera singer Jean Stuart, who recognised the potential in his voice. Under her guidance, he spent more than a decade training in the classical Bel Canto tradition, laying the foundation for a successful career in musical theatre and crossover music.
After leaving a career in design and branding to pursue music full-time, Kagee landed leading musical theatre roles before signing with EMI Records.
His career has since included performing the national anthems of South Africa, Wales and New Zealand at internationally televised rugby matches, collaborating with the Grammy-nominated group Celtic Woman, and presenting a sold-out season of Il Mondo at Montecasino under producer Pieter Toerien.
He now performs as a headline entertainer aboard ultra-luxury cruise ships, taking his music to audiences across Europe, North America and Australia.
His George performance promises an afternoon of timeless favourites, including Il Mondo, Always on my Mind, And I Love You So and Bridge Over Troubled Water. Accompanied by pianist Drini Botha and violinist Calvin Steyn, Kagee will also share stories from his musical journey.
The one-performance-only matinee takes place at 15:00 at the George Arts Theatre. Tickets are available through Quicket. - Compiled by Michelle Pienaar
The one-performance-only matinee takes place on 26 July (15:00) at the George Arts Theatre.
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