Music and food lovers can enjoy an enchanting event at Ghenwa’s Culinary Club, on Lourensford Estate, on Sunday October 27, at noon.
Well-known pianist Nina Schumann will be joined by talented drummer, Stuart Martin, with a very special recital, including lunch and dessert.
Nina was born into a musical family in Stellenbosch, and her first appearance with an orchestra was at the age of 15, and her talent soon captured the attention of the public.
She now has over 150 concerto performances with orchestras in South Africa, Europe and the United States to her credit, and some 40 concertos in her repertoire, and has appeared widely in recitals and master classes in Africa, Europe, the USA and Asia.
Following studies in Cape Town, Los Angeles and Denton, Texas, Nina was appointed as Professor and Head of Piano at the University of Stellenbosch, where she initiated the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival and the Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium.
Both these events have become her passion projects and have succeeded in alleviating the isolation of classical musicians on the African continent. Nina is also a sought after pedagogue and has given master classes worldwide at prestigious international institutions.
For two decades she has continued a critically acclaimed duo with pianist Luis Magalhães, simply titled TwoPianists. She is also a Yamaha International Artist.
Since her diagnosis with breast cancer and focal dystonia in 2012 and Parkinson’s Disease in 2018, Nina has publicly discussed her condition and actively sought to assist other musicians with similar challenges.
Stuart Martin is currently pursuing a BMUS Honours degree at Stellenbosch University, where he began his studies in 2019. He holds a Higher Certificate in Music (Percussion), a Diploma in Practical Music (Percussion and Orchestral Conducting under Professor Corvin Matei), and an Advanced Diploma in Practical Music (Orchestral Conducting).
Stuart is a member of the award-winning jazz ensemble Sun Quintet, and the group has been nominated for Mzanzi Jazz Awards in three categories: Best Jazz Album, Best Single in an Album, and Best Newcomers.
Stuart also serves as the head conductor of the Fairbairn College Jazz Band and the Paarl Gimnasium Orchestra. His conducting experience includes leading the Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra (SYO), the University of Stellenbosch Symphonic Wind Ensemble (USSWE), and the Stellenbosch University Jazz Band (SUJB).
His skills as a conductor were further recognized when he was selected to conduct the opening of the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre’s Concerto Festival in 2024.
Stuart’s performance experience spans across the country. He has performed with Sun Quintet and conducted the award-winning Stellenbosch University Jazz Band (SUJB) at the SA National Composers Symposium.
Stuart was also chosen as the drummer for the National Youth Jazz Band at this year’s National Arts Festival, under the direction of Sisonke Xonti and Afrika Mkhize, a highly competitive role with musicians from across the country.
He is also a key member of the Maties Jazz Society organizing committee, contributing to the planning and execution of its events.
Stuart is currently teaching drum set and percussion, at Faribairn College high school, where he is also the head conductor of the Jazz band. He is also teaching drumset at Paarl Gimnasium, where he is also the conductor for their orchestra.
Stuart served as an adjudicator for the Helderberg Eisteddfod in 2024, demonstrating his commitment to evaluating and supporting emerging musicians.
He is dedicated to empowering youth through music, with a focus on creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents.
Inspired by his mentors Ramon Alexander and Felicia Lesch, Stuart’s goal is to advance and to foster growth in music, through education. He aims to establish platforms that will nurture the next generation of musicians, providing them with the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
Stuart’s vision is to contribute to a vibrant musical community and support the development of young artists in music
To book for this extraordinary musical and culinery event, call 072 952 3348 or email info@ghenwasculinaryclub.co.za
