Opera singer Theunis Botha is finding his feet back on South African soil

SECUNDA – Mr Theunis Botha (28) recently returned to Secunda from the USA with a masters degree in vocal performance, a changed perspective on his perfectionism and a heart full of new life lessons.

He spent two years completing his masters degree at the Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri and returned to his hometown a month ago.

Part of this course included training singers to reach their individual goals.

For one student the goal was to enhance his skills as a church worship leader, for another, it was to excel in musical theatre.

“The different challenges and variations in goals were intriguing,” said Mr Botha, whose heart is still stuck on the classical operas.

Mr Botha is an opera singer with a bass tone. He holds a diploma from the Tshwane University of Technology’s School of Opera and a BMus honours degree from the University of Pretoria.

He embarked on singing lessons in Grade 11 when the world of opera opened up to him.

The first opera that he saw, Puccini’s La Boheme, tugged at his heart strings and he knew then that he wanted to sing in operas.

He feels strongly about operas and hopes to eke out a living from opera recitals – the music that he loves so much.

“There is just something so harmonious and timeless to classical music that commercial music lacks. I am a purist and to me opera is a pure art form, but if need be I guess I will still be able to follow in the likes of Josh Groban,” said Mr Botha.

But he is still looking for doors to open up, so in the meantime he is a vocal coach and is also helping out with acrobatic classes. He is a qualified acrobatics teacher. He also performs at corporate functions and weddings.

Mr Botha is thankful for the chance that he had to study abroad.

“It was a very needed experience. It is amazing how resourceful one becomes when you have only yourself to fall back on. Being so far away from family and friends can be difficult. It is then when you discover the real you.

“I also have more perspective about being such a perfectionist. The biggest lesson I learned was that I do not always have to be the final product – I can still develop. I believe my singing has also improved in this time.”

Will he go back to the States?

“I do believe I will, but for the right reasons. If you run overseas just to escape the politics and crime in South Africa, you will find it difficult to adapt. I will go back if it is to further my career and for sound work opportunities.”