Lydie Pace
Dramatic Soprano – The First Opera Singer from the Central African Republic
Origins and Training
Born in Bangui, Central African Republic, Lydie Pace is the first and only opera singer from her country to achieve international recognition. She began her musical training in France and, in 1993, was awarded Second Prize at the International Masters of French Singing Competition.
She graduated from the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Rueil-Malmaison, studying with Élisabeth Vidal, and earned a Higher Diploma in Vocal Studies. Her training also includes a First Runner-Up (Accessit) in Lyric Art from the Schola Cantorum, as well as the Young Lyric Talents Trophy of Oise.
In addition to her vocal studies, she completed advanced pedagogical training within the State Diploma (DE) continuing education program at the Higher Education Center for Music in Burgundy (2021), focusing on general and differentiated pedagogy and contemporary music. She also holds a Master’s Degree (BAC +5) in Cultural Organization Management from Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC).
Competitions and Distinctions:
Second Prize, International Masters of French Singing Competition
Admitted participant, Concorso Comunità Europea per Giovani Cantanti Lirici (53rd Edition), Teatro Lirico di Spoleto
First Runner-Up in Lyric Art, Schola Cantorum (Higher School of Dramatic Art)
DEM (Diplôme d’Études Musicales – 3 credits)
Honors and Titles
Knight of the Central African Order of Merit
Wandara d’Honneur, awarded by the Ministry of Culture and Communication of the Central African Republic
Barthélemy Boganda Peace Prize
Ambassador of the ISTRIA Association, promoting tourism in Croatia
Certificate of Excellence, Laureate Artist, Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall), New York – 2025
Operatic and Concert Career
Active on international stages since 1999, Lydie Pace was discovered by Alexandre Stajic and appeared at the 22nd Touquet International Festival, performing in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with the Orchestre Régional d’Île-de-France.
Her concert appearances include prestigious venues such as Reims Cathedral, Théâtre Alexandre Dumas (Saint-Germain-en-Laye), Théâtre de Vincennes, and the Palais des Congrès in Paris, as well as extensive touring with CCAS and performances at the France Amériques trade fair.
Her operatic repertoire includes:
Stephano (Roméo et Juliette)
Manon, Métella, and Madame de la Folle Verdure (La Vie Parisienne, Offenbach)
Carmen (Bizet)
Aida (Verdi)
Serpina (La Serva Padrona, Pergolesi)
Stabat Mater (Pergolesi)
She created the role of the Queen of the Forest in Prometheus Band, composed by Christopher Lord, and has worked extensively with pianist Frédéric Prébolin. Her artistic development includes masterclasses with Maestro Leo Nucci and role preparation for Aida with RAMFIS Production under the direction of Élisabeth Juillard.
In 2017, she performed at the Nelson Mandela Prize Ceremony in Paris.
Current and Upcoming Projects (through 2026)
Lydie Pace continues an active international career, performing in France and abroad, including Canada, Germany, Italy, Austria, the Central African Republic, Gabon, and Cameroon. Her recent and upcoming engagements include:
Anina (La Traviata, Verdi) – Mytho Opera Festival, Italy
Collaboration with Belcanto Italia Festival (2026)
Carnegie Hall Gala Performance, New York – Laureate of the S.E. Competition
Two concerts at the Vienna Opera & Art Song Festival, Pálffy Palace, Vienna (April 2026)
Concert with Thomas Hampson at the Millstatt Music Weeks, Ossiach, Austria (July 2026)
