One of SA’s own just earned a prestigious award on an internationally renowned stage, after performing with a full orchestra for the very first time!
South Africa (23 April 2026) – South African violinist Naomi Tagg has returned from Moscow with a prestigious award in her bag!
Tagg has earned the top honours of ‘Artist of the Year – South Africa’ at the 8th BraVo International Music Awards. A wonderful achievement for a South African artist on a world-renowned stage!
The grand gala was held at the monumental and historic Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, where it brought together star performers from dozens of countries around the globe, spanning ballet, opera, classical and contemporary music.
Photo Credit: Naomi Tagg
Tagg says that representing SA on an esteemed international stage was a great honour.
“It’s an incredible honour to stand on a stage like that and represent South Africa,” she says. “We have such depth of talent in this country, and moments like this show that our artists can stand confidently on any stage in the world.”
Naomi’s extraordinary performance on the Bolshoi stage was also a first, as she played alongside a full orchestra, performing her own classical crossover arrangement of Asturias.
Naomi has spent more than two decades building a career as an electric violinist. She merges her classical training with modern sound to create a one-of-a-kind style that crosses genres and appeals to many different audiences.
She’s done it all independently, proving that it’s entirely possible to carve out an international career in music totally on your own terms, without relying on traditional structures of institutions, record labels, etc.
All you need is a dream and the drive to get there.
The BraVo Awards ceremony featured global performers, red carpet appearances and international media, and will be broadcast in May across Russia and beyond.
“It’s such a proud moment, not just for me, but for where I come from,” she says. “South African artists are creating work that resonates globally, and I think we’re only just beginning to see that recognised more widely.”
Photo Credit: Naomi Tagg
Sources: Reader Submission.
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