Ensemble Strelitzia brings world-class chamber music to Helderberg Village
Music lovers in the Helderberg area are in for a treat on Sunday, January 18, when the Helderberg Village Music Society hosts Ensemble Strelitzia for an afternoon of chamber music. Pictured are members of the Ensemble Strelitzia. From left: cellist Jessica Bailey, clarinettist Matthew Reid, and pianist Sue Patterson-Jones.
Image: Supplied
Music lovers in the Helderberg area are in for a treat on Sunday, January 18, when the Helderberg Village Music Society hosts Ensemble Strelitzia for an afternoon of chamber music featuring works by Beethoven, Glinka, Schumann, and a selection of tango-inspired pieces.
The ensemble brings together three accomplished South African musicians: Matthew Reid (clarinet), Jessica Bailey (cello), and Sue Patterson-Jones (piano). Their collective artistry promises a concert of technical precision, expressive depth, and varied repertoire.
Matthew Reid, a clarinettist and saxophonist, studied at the University of Cape Town (UCT), London’s Royal College of Music, and Goldsmiths College. He has arranged music for major productions, including the Yiddish Song Festival at the Baxter Theatre and Santa’s Story by Aviva Pelham, and is the founder of the Playing with Fire Balkan Gypsy Klezmer Band.
Celebrated cellist Jessica Bailey trained under Betty Pack, Pierre Fournier in Geneva, and Joan Dickson at London’s Royal College of Music. She is a member of the Pretoria-based quartet Evolution of 4 and also a recognised children’s book illustrator and visual artist.
Distinguished pianist Sue Patterson-Jones earned her M.Mus in Performance cum laude at UCT under Lamar Crowson and Albie van Schalkwyk, followed by studies in London and at the University of North Texas under Van Cliburn winner Vladimir Viardo. She runs a teaching studio in Cape Town and performs regularly as both a chamber musician and accompanist.
The programme begins with Beethoven’s Trio Op. 11, followed by Glinka’s dramatic Trio Pathetique and Schumann’s lyrical Three Romances Op. 94. The second half shifts pace with tango-inspired favourites, including Jacob Gade’s fiery Jealousy (Tango Tzigane), Astor Piazzolla’s haunting Oblivion, and Debussy’s playful Golliwog’s Cakewalk, all arranged for clarinet, cello, and piano.
The event will take place at the Talani Terrace, Helderberg Village. Tickets cost R130 and can be booked on Quicket via this link. For more information, contact Laurien Comyn at 082 467 0337 or Peter Searle at 082 561 3052.