Janel Speelman is a rising South African soprano, who is quickly establishing herself as an emerging artist in opera, concert and art song. Recent performances include the Concert of Hope as part of the Suidoosterfees, as well as Niel Rademan’s acclaimed South African Sopranos performance of Heldinne as part of the Woordfees. Ms Speelman is a graduate of UCT, where she attained her bachelor of music degree, an honors in western classical vocal performance and a postgraduate diploma in opera under the direction of Prof Virginia Davids and, Prof Kamal Khan. She then completed a master of music degree under Prof Daniel Washington at the University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Ms Speelman was invited to sing at the School of Music Theatre and Dance annual prestigious performance at the Kennedy Centre as part of a select group representing the school. During her study; she was awarded the Andrea Person Vocal Award and the George Shirley Scholarship.