by Thinus Ferreira
The South African opera singer Mimi Coertse died on Monday night in her home in Pretoria. She was 93.
Born Maria Sophia Coetse on 12 June 1932 and affectionately called "Onse Mimi" ("Our Mimi"), Mimi Coertse was a world-renowned South African coloratura soprano who achieved legendary status both in South Africa and on the international opera stage.
"It is with sadness that we inform all who loved her that our Mimi passed away peacefully in her sleep last night," Lizet du Plessis, Mimi Coertse's friend and caretaker said in a statement on Tuesday morning.
"Our thoughts are with her children, Mia and Werner and grandchildren, whom she loved so dearly."
Mimi Coertse was a pioneer for local musicians, becoming the youngest singer to be appointed to the permanent ensemble of the Vienna State Opera in its history.
What distinguished Mimi Coertse was not just her technical mastery but her immense contribution to the cultural landscape of South Africa.
She is world-famous for her portrayal of the Queen of the Night in Mozart's The Magic Flute, a role she performed more than 500 times. Her ability to hit the rare "High F" with ease made her one of the most sought-after sopranos of her era.
In 1966, Mimi Coertse became the first South African to receive the title of Kammersängerin (Chamber Singer), the highest honour the Austrian government bestows upon a musician.
She was also instrumental in popularising the Afrikaans art song and folksong on global stages, often performing South African works as encores during her European tours.
After she returned to South Africa in 1973, she dedicated herself to nurturing young artists. She founded the Mimi Coertse Bursary (1959) and the Black Tie Ensemble (1999) to provide platforms and financial support for classically trained singers of all races.
While Mimi Coertse was primarily an opera and concert singer she also appeared in several films and television productions throughout her career.
Her filmography includes both acting roles and performances of her operatic repertoire captured for the screen.
In the 1959 South African musical film Nooi van my Hart, Mimi Coertse appeared as herself and in the 1967 TV movie, Die spanische Stunde, an adaptation of Maurice Ravel's opera L'heure espangnole, she played the lead role of Concepción.
In the 1978 TV series Hansie & Grietjie she provided the voice for the character of Grietjie and Mimi Coertse appeared as an opera singer in Pieter-Dirk Uys' 1985 film Skating on Thin Uys.
In the 1990 TV-movie she played the character of Naomi Brink and in 1992's Die Prins van Pretoria she is credited as a performer for the "Queen of the Night" aria in the film.
Later that same year Mimi Coertse: Queen of the Night was released as a TV-movie documentary, focusing on her most iconic role.
For Suor Angelica, a televised opera production made for the SABC, Mimi Coertse won an Artes Award.
Beyond Mimi Coertse's acting credits, many of her live performances were recorded and broadcast on television across the SABC and M-Net's kykNET on DStv, including Christmas with Mimi, an annual televised festive concert in South Africa during the 1980s, Die Nataniel Tafel on kykNET, as well as Debut with Mimi, a TV series that she hosted to showcase young South African vocal talent.
"Mimi Coertse was not merely an opera singer. She was a national treasure, a pioneer, and an enduring symbol of South African excellence," said Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture, in a statement on Tuesday.
"Through her extraordinary talent and discipline, she opened doors for South African artists internationally and affirmed that our voices belong on the greatest stages in the world. She also made a lasting contribution to the growth and recognition of Afrikaans arts and culture."
"Her immense contribution to the arts earned her numerous honours both locally and internationally and cemented her place as one of the most distinguished figures in South African cultural history."
"The department of sport, arts and culture extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the broader arts and cultural fraternity during this difficult time. South Africa has lost a cultural giant, but Mimi Coertse’s voice, legacy, and contribution to the nation’s artistic heritage will continue to resonate for generations to come."
