A remarkable musical talent who was born and raised in Kroonstad has taken to the stage with the Free State Symphony Orchestra (FSSO) in Bloemfontein.
Karabo Rabaloi, a 25-year-old opera sensation, made her debut in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 9 August, marking a pivotal moment in her musical career.
Rooted in a rich musical heritage, Karabo’s journey began in her hometown of Kroonstad. Her musical awakening can be traced back to her mother, Paulina Malerole Rabaloi, a choir conductor who planted the seeds of musical passion when Karabo was just three years old.
Under the guidance of local music teacher Irma Geldenhuys, she discovered her love for music − mastering not just vocals, but also the piano, recorder and xylophone.
After completing her school career at Kroon Primary in Kroonstad and Crawford College in Pretoria, Karabo pursued her musical dreams at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) South African College of Music. Her academic excellence shines through her recent achievements: a bachelor’s degree in Music, specialising in Opera; and a postgraduate diploma in Music Performance, which she completed this year with distinction.
Her performance with the FSSO represents more than just a musical milestone. It is a culmination of years of passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment.
“It was a super exciting experience to perform with these wonderful musicians on home ground,” says Karabo.
It is her dream to establish an opera academy in South Africa, aiming to create opportunities for future talents who might otherwise feel compelled to seek recognition abroad. Her personal goals also include performing at iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House and Vienna State Opera, with a specific dream of joining the Opéra national de Paris academy within the next five years.
Her talent was prominently recognised when she received the Erik Chisholm Memorial Prize for meritorious work in 2024, while simultaneously being named on the UCT Dean’s Merit List. Her competitive achievements are equally impressive, including runner-up status in the David Aldred competition and winning the duet prize at the third Aviva Pelham Operetta Competition. As a finalist in the Friends of Opera in Cape Town’s (FoCTO) bursary competition, she demonstrated consistent excellence in her musical pursuits.
Her performance credentials showcase her versatility, featuring notable solo appearances such as performing in The Songmakers Guild’s Young Artist concert; in the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s (CPO) Youth Classical Concert; and a featured role in a South African College of Music (SACM) concerto festival.
Her rising prominence has attracted significant media attention, with an upcoming BBC Radio interview highlighting her great potential.
Karabo’s theatrical repertoire spans diverse productions, particularly with Opera UCT.
She has portrayed complex roles like Miss Jessel in Turn of the Screw, served as an understudy for Giulietta in Les contes d’Hoffmann, and participated in chorus performances for I Capuleti e i Montecchi and Sara Baartman.
Her solo performances, including Sondheim’s Marry me a little and the independent production Nkoli: The Vogue Opera, further underscore her artistic range and adaptability.
Karabo has expressed her sincere gratitude to her current vocal teacher, Virginia Davids, for her remarkable investment and unwavering encouragement throughout her musical journey.
She is currently based in Cape Town.
