Durban audiences will be sad to read of the death of Durban singer Amon Phelelani Hlongwane, a regular performer at the Playhouse for many years. He joined the then NAPAC Singers in 1988, was retrenched when the group was disbanded but was re-employed at the Playhouse in 2001 in Prop Hire. He appeared in numerous productions including the operas Faust, Cavalleria Rusticana, Fidelio and Il Tabarro/Suor Angelica. He was also in Bravissimo – Opera Highlights and My Fair Lady in 2006.

“Amon has contributed a lot to the community especially in coaching individuals and groups,” says friend and colleague Thanduxlo Zulu, Playhouse Dance Co-Ordinator. “He really made a mark. He was one of the first people to sing Messiah in Zulu when he appeared as one of the soloist in Sam Shabalala’s translation of the oratorio.”