Stefan Louw Tenor & School of Singing Parys

Stéfan Louw, a renowned South African tenor, has graced the world of opera with his exceptional talents since 1999. His vocal prowess was so extraordinary that in 2005, The Sunday Times newspaper declared his voice a national treasure while he portrayed the character of Rodolfo. His operatic journey commenced in 1995 when he joined the Pretoria State Theatre Ad-hoc Opera Chorus. A mere year later, he earned the prestigious Chorister of the Year Award. Over the course of five years, he lent his voice to over 20 productions, carving his path in the world of opera. In 1999, Stéfan marked his supporting role debut as Beppe in I Pagliacci, a performance that earned him the esteemed FNB Vita Opera Award for Most Promising Newcomer. This auspicious beginning laid the foundation for a career dedicated to the art of opera.

His repertoire is a testament to versatility and artistry. From Alfredo in La Traviata to the name role in Werther, he has breathed life into numerous iconic characters, captivating audiences with his extraordinary talent. His tenor solos have graced renowned works such as Puccini's Messa di Gloria, Handel's Messiah, Rossini's Stabat Mater, and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Missa Solemnis, leaving an indelible mark on South African stages.

In 2008, Stéfan ventured onto the international scene, making his debut as Pollione in Norma at the Vichy Opera in France, followed by a memorable portrayal of Radames in Aïda at the Dijon Opera in France later that year. A decade later, in the summer of 2018, Stéfan embarked on another remarkable international journey as a member of the South African Tenors. This time, he graced the picturesque landscapes of Greece, captivating audiences at exclusive holiday resorts scattered across the enchanting island of Crete.

Stéfan's contributions to the world of opera extend beyond the stage. He is the visionary founder of two Gauteng-based opera companies: Sempre Opera and Big Wig Opera. He actively serves as the artistic director and chorus master of Big Wig Opera. Under his guidance, Big Wig Opera achieved remarkable success in its inaugural year, producing three complete operas in 2015, with Stéfan assuming roles both as a performer and director. Since December 2012, Stéfan has been curating, directing, and performing in annual shows at Birdsong Theatre in Stilbaai, Western Cape, a testament to his dedication to the arts. His captivating solo performances at music festivals across the country have endeared him to audiences far and wide.

The Stéfan Louw School of Singing, founded by Stéfan in Parys, is now in its third year of operation, nurturing approximately 15 students from the Vaal Triangle, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. While specializing in classical vocal training, Stéfan's school embraces diverse musical interests, spanning jazz, blues, country, gospel, musicals, modern English, and Afrikaans. His mentorship extends beyond vocal technique, encompassing stagecraft and microphone techniques.

In 2019, Stéfan released his second album, "Lirico," featuring a collection of lyrical tenor arias that further showcased his musical prowess. He recently launched his third album “The Book of Elvis – A Legacy of Song”, which is a collection of his rendition of Elvis Presley’s most famous ballads.

With over 3,000 performances to his name, Stéfan Louw is a cherished presence on opera stages, a sought-after vocal coach, and a respected judge in talent competitions. Beyond the grandeur of opera houses, his captivating voice also graces intimate private events, ranging from the enchantment of weddings and the warmth of house concerts to the solemnity of church services and the grandeur of elaborate corporate gatherings. His unwavering dedication to opera and his commitment to nurturing emerging talents continue to shape the cultural landscape of South Africa and beyond.