Stéfan Louw

Welcome

South African born opera tenor, Stéfan Louw, said: "I am not rich, I will never be rich, but I would like to be counted among those who did what they loved." (Citizen, 2010) On these pages you will not only read about the voice that should be declared a national treasure (Sunday Times, 2005) but also about the man behind the voice.

I am ... funny. Or at least my wife thinks so.

When and where were you born? I was born on 22 September 1973 in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal exactly and to the day two years after my brother. That’s right, we share a birthday even though he is two years older than I am.

Where do you live now? I live in a two-bedroom garden cottage in Ferndale, Randburg.

Who do you share the cottage with? I share the cottage with my wife and our two budgies, two hamsters, two tropical fish tanks and doggy children.

How did you get to be an opera singer? When I joined the State Theatre Opera Ad-hoc chorus as a student in 1996 I never dreamt of being a soloist. Two years later I was offered a comprimario role which set my career going. I will always be thankful to the Opera Manager at the time for believing in me and giving me a chance.

How do you get around? I drive a vintage Mercedes Benz – a white 1978 280S with green leather interior. She goes like a dream.

What’s the fastest you’ve ever driven? Well, the old lady goes smooth at 140km but the fastest I’ve driven in another vehicle will get me into jail so I’d rather not say.

What’s your favourite place around the cottage? Definitely the swimming pool during the summer months – I love water.

What do you do to relax? I am a gamer. I play PC games. At the moment I play World of Warcraft. I also play Magic the Gathering which is a fantasy trading card game.

How would you like to die? As long as I am with the people who love me, it does not matter in which way I die.

Likes:

1. My wife
2. My friends
3. Good food
4. Playing PC games
5. Singing opera

Dislikes:

1. People who talk nonsense
2. Ignorance
3. People that hurt animals
4. Being sick
5. A poor internet connection