Second series of concerts at Endler hall

Staff Reporter|Published 7 months ago

From left, are Themba Seyisi, Professor Thuli Madonsela, Diane Gahiza, from the Centre for Social Justice.

The Stellenbosch University’s Department of Music announced the start of the second season of the Endler Concert Series, which will runs from Friday August 2, to Saturday December 7.

Concerts in August has already kicked off and to follow are performances by UCT Piano Exchange: Clazz on Friday August 16. Following the last twenty-two years’ successes, the Stellenbosch University Piano Division once again joins forces with the Piano Division of the University of Cape Town’s South African College of Music for their annual Piano Exchange concert.

This year’s programme features works that blend jazz and classical styles in a fusion termed by SA composer, and classical and jazz pianist Surendran Reddy, as his unique composition style - ‘clazz’. Audiences can expect a fusion of classical and jazz, but also mbaqanga, mbira and further popular music.

Then on August 17, its time for the ensemble iiNceba zoMdali: Angilelanga with Ncebakazi Mnukwana, lead vocals; uhadi, umrhubhe, hand percussion; Lungiswa Plaatjies, vocals, uhadi, dodo harp, hand percussion; Mkhokheli Kim Masala, marimba, cajón and vocals; Bongani Nikelo, electric bass and vocals.

Come and enjoy eclectic African music that speaks to our Pan-African traditions, whilst incorporating indigenous music instruments such as uhadi, umrhubhe, dodo harp, nyungwe nyungwe, marimba and kayomba.

On Friday August 23, Paranoid Android: Pierrot Lunaire and other psychedelic trips with Magdalene Minnaar, voice; José Dias, piano; Petrus Coetzee, violin; Peter Martens, cello; Gabriele von Dürckheim, flute; and Féroll-Jon Davids on clarinet and bass klarinet.

Stretching the boundaries of classical music, this programme promises electrifying musical experiences through the prism of virtuosic chamber music.

The US Voice Division: Opera Gala take to the stage on Friday August 30. The Stellenbosch University Voice Divisionwill again present their popular annual “Opera Gala” on the 30th of August.

The programme will include arias and ensembles from much loved operas such as Carmen by Bizet, Le Nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni by Mozart, as well as La Bohème by Puccini. The audience will also be treated to great operatic choruses from operas like Verdi’s Nabucco, Leoncavallo’s I Pagliacci and Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, showcasing the voices of the division’s young singers.

Then on Saturday August 31, audiences are invited to join for a special musical concert by the Palissander Choir in support of #Action4Inclusion, led by Professor Thuli Madonsela.

The #Action4Inclusion crowdfunding initiative is a key component of the university’s Bridge the Gap annual fund, and a top priority for SU. This is a crucial step towards ending student debt and unlocking students' potential, enabling them to actively contribute to our country’s development.

Tickets are available at Webtickets. For information on ticket sales visit the SU Conservatory’s social media platforms.

The Juliet String Quartet currently include Dr Annien Shaw on violin and Dr Babette Roosenschoon on cello, from the Stellenbosch University Music Department, and Matthew Stead, violinist who is the co-principal second violin of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Remi Ludick joining them for the last time on viola.