MIMI COERTSE NEA BRAND AMBASSADOR

The National Eisteddfod Academy (NEA) paid tribute to Dr Mimi Coertse at its Young Performer Awards 2012 Finals held recently.

Guests, including parents and media representatives were out in full force for the annual NEA Finals and Award ceremony. Just over 20 finalists took to the stage, competing for the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund prize money of R50,000 (awarded to different winners in different genres) with R10,000, sponsored by Artslink.co.za, being awarded to the Best Overall Performer.

The NEA used the event to announce the appointment of its first Brand Ambassador, the internationally acclaimed soprano, Dr Mimi Coertse. When Dr Francois van den Berg, CEO of the NEA made the announcement, he emphasised that it was being done by the NEA, on behalf of the youth, to acknowledge Dr Coertse’s lifetime artistic achievements and to honour her contributions toward the development of young artists.

Since the passing of Albertina Sisulu, the previous Patron of the NEA, the NEA Board of Directors had decided to identify special people that the youth would look to as a symbol of Excellence in the Arts. They identified that a Brand Ambassador would be someone who would represent superior excellence and quality pertaining to art as a “brand”.

Dr Mimi Coertse graciously accepted this tribute. That she will be celebrating her 80th birthday on June 12 made the appointment all the more special for the NEA and for her.

“Mimi Coertse is well known for her commitment to nurturing and developing the talents of gifted singers and is definitely a worthy Ambassador of the Arts,” said Johan van Wyk, chairman of the NEA Board, after the announcement.

Durban-born, Coertse’s illustrious career spans five decades and as well being an internationally acclaimed soprano she remains 'onse Mimi' to generations of South African opera lovers.

Further information from the NEA Office on 011 886 6005 or fax 011 787 3534 or e-mail: info@eisteddfod.co.za or visit www.eisteddfod.co.za Follow the NEA on Twitter @NEA_Eisteddfod or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nearsa