Coertse, Mimi << KOORT see, MEE mee >> (1932-…), was the first South African opera singer to gain international recognition. Maria Sophia Coertse was born on June 12, 1932, in Durban, Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal). She was the daughter of a railroad inspector. She showed great determination to make a career as a dramatic, coloratura soprano. In 1953, Coertse went to Europe to further her studies, and she won early acclaim for her public performances. This success led to an appointment with the Vienna State Opera, where she made her debut in 1955. She sang with the company from 1956 to 1973, when she returned to South Africa to perform.
