Sunnyboy Dladla is one of the most sought-after Rossinian tenors of his generation. Known for his “crisp, clearly focused, brightly timbred, radiantly present” voice, Dladla combines an active opera career with frequent concert performances.
In the 2022-2023 season, he performed at the Edinburgh Festival in Carmina Burana under Sir Donald Runnicles and at the Opernhaus Zurich in G. Benjamin’s Lessons in Love and Violence. He also took on roles at Staatsoper Hannover, including Count Almaviva (Barbiere di Siviglia), Peter Quint (The Turn of the Screw), and Leopold (La Juive).
The 2023-2024 season featured his house debut at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona as Don Ramiro (La Cenerentola) and a role debut as Oraspe (Aureliano in Palmira) at the Rossini Opera Festival. He performed Carmina Burana with the London Symphony Orchestra under Gianandrea Noseda and reprised Count Almaviva at Staatsoper Hannover.
Dladla has been featured on several recordings, including Mose in Egitto (Bregenzer Festspiel) and Les Contes d’Hoffmann (Dutch National Opera). Since joining Staatsoper Hannover in 2020, he has performed leading roles such as Ferrando (Cosi fan Tutte), Cassio (Otello), and Tempo (Il Trionfo del Tempo e di Disinganno).
Internationally, Dladla has appeared at the BBC Proms with Sir Simon Rattle, performed Mozart’s Requiem with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and made his U.S. debut in Handel’s Messiah with the National Symphony Orchestra. Other notable concerts include Carmina Burana with the Toronto Symphony and at the Grand Teton Festival.
A frequent interpreter of Count Almaviva (Barbiere di Siviglia), Dladla has performed this role at the Rossini Opera Festival, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Staatsoper Stuttgart, among others. His repertoire also includes Don Ramiro (La Cenerentola) and Paolino (Il Matrimonio Segreto), showcasing his mastery of coloratura roles.
Born in Piet-Retief, South Africa, Sunnyboy Dladla earned his degree at the University of Cape Town and later obtained a master’s degree from the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste. His rich career continues to highlight his remarkable vocal talent and stage presence across the world.