Coert Grobbelaar

Coert Grobbelaar (born 15 October 1964) is a South African Operatic Tenor. Although Grobbelaar is primarily a Heldentenor which is suited to the more dramatic roles, he has sung many roles calling for a more lyrical voice, and has gained acclaim as a lieder singer. He was a founding member of Sempre Opera. Grobbelaar founded the VaalTri School for Opera and Light Music which focusses primarily on training talented singers from disadvantaged backgrounds. 
== Biography ==
After first studying law at the University of Johannesburg, then known as Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit, Grobbelaar sang in the provincial debut of Beethoven's Fidelio in 1988 at the Roodepoort Civic Theatre. Grobbelaar performed in several concerts with acclaimed South African Soprano, Mimi Coertse, and other South African singers. In 1990 he sang the role of the Commissioner in Dialogue of the Carmelites, an opera by Francis Poulenc, directed by Emma Renzi. He sang the role of Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus ,by Johann Strauss. He also sang the tenor solo in Ariel Ramirez's Misa Criolla. He moved to Germany in 1995 to continue studies as an opera singer. He sang in various opera productions in Europe, primarily in Germany and Italy and returned to South Africa regularly to perform in operas, concerts and other productions. In 2000 he performed at the KKNK with actress Anette Engelbrecht in a new production based on the work of C. Louis Leipoldt. He was also a member of the Black Tie Ensemble. In 2003 he initiated a new production with composer Niel Van Der Watt and actress Marga Van Rooy, based on the poetry of NP Van Wyk Louw. Grobbelaar sang in various productions for Gauteng Opera, Sempre Opera, Opera Africa and other production companies. 
== Repertoire ==
=== Opera ===
Fidelio - Beethoven(as the Prisoner)
La Boheme - Puccini (as Rodolfo)
Le Dialoques des Carmélites - Poulenc (as the Commissaire)
Carmen - Bizet (Don José)
Cavaleria Rusticana - Mascagni (as Turridu) 
Rigoletto - Verdi (as Borsa)
Amahl and the night visitors - Menotti (as Melchior)
Tronkvoël - Niel Van Der Watt (as kolonel Boerseun)
=== Operetta ===
Die Fledermaus - Johann Strauss (as Eisenstein)
Ein Walzertraum - Oscar Strauss (Luitenant Nicki)
Victoria und ihr Husar - Paul Abraham (as Stefan Koltay)
=== Lieder Cycles ===
Die schöne mullerin - Schubert
Liedwerk van Klip - Niel Van der Watt
Poèmes de Guillaume Apollinaire - Honegger
== Awards and Recognition ==
Stars for Charity Award
Wiggett trophy
Dennis van Schoor trophy
ATKV 2007 Oorkonde
ATKV Forum for Singers 2016
Sedibeng Tourism Award for VaalTri Ensemble 2016
Sedibeng Regional Mayoral Award 2016
International Golden Key Award 2018
C C Cultural Award 2018
== Selected Discography ==
My life for a Song - 1999
Bella Napoli - 2008
'n Oulap se eie goed - 2015
==In the media==
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==References==
==External links==
* 
* 17 An Afternoon with Coert Grobbelaar and Vaal Tri Ensemble
* Coert Grobbelaar: Actor, Extra and Singer - Gauteng, South Aftica
* Coert Grobbelaar - ESAT
* University of Pretoria honours opera legend Mimi Coertse
* Duo to sing at lunch-time concert - Artslink.co.za
* Mozart Requiem – Pretoria! - Sempre Opera
* Announcements - Sempre Opera
* Gauteng Opera – National Arts Council
Category:1964 births
Category:South African operatic tenors
Category:South African tenors
Category:University of Johannesburg alumni
Category:Law degrees
Category:Heldentenors
Category:Opera history
Category:Star Awards