Dundee Old Boy, Robert Brooks and partner, Gisela De Villiers delight audience at NG Kerk Centenary
Robert loves South Africa. He says 'Music can bridge divides' which lead him to establish MIAGI – Music Is A Great Investment.
Born in Dundee, Robert Brooks matriculated at Dundee High School in 1974. He says his mother instilled within him his love for classical music. In 1979, he left for Europe to further his studies which led him to singing in the finest opera houses throughout Europe, South America and in many other countries.
He has never forgotten his roots in Dundee where one of two of his remaining sisters, Andrea de Jager, still lives. Robert is the youngest of six children and his father worked as a vet with the Agricultural Department.
Softly spoken and approachable, Robert spoke to the Courier with his partner, Gisela De Villiers, herself a distinguished composer, pianist and singer. She and Robert have struck a remarkable relationship, on and off the stage, that complements their passion for music.
On Saturday evening, to mark the centenary of the NG Kerk in Dundee, he and Gisela put on a magnificent performance of traditional Afrikaans songs – such as Sarie Marais, Jan Piereweit and many others – but Robert’s renditions were classical, rich and ear catching.
His tenor voice richly filled the Dundee Junior School hall where a fine supper was served. Gisela showed her versatility – both a pianist, composer, poet and singer. Clearly, Dundee is blessed to have these two here this weekend to mark the NG Kerk’s Centenary. And how wonderful that after years of touring the great opera houses o the world, Robert was so excited to come back to his humble Dundee beginnings, meet old school friends and enrich the town his musical knowledge.
In case you missed out, watch two clips from last night’s performances:
Robert loves South Africa. He says ‘Music can bridge divides’ which lead him to establish MIAGI – Music Is A Great Investment.
Music can bridge divides – this well-known statement has also been a conviction of South African concert and opera singer Robert Brooks for many years and it lead him tocreate MIAGI – Music Is A Great Investment.
However, his unwavering commitment and belief in the power of music led him to interrupt his professional singing career and return to his mother country to set up MIAGI (originally called the International Classical Music Festival or ICMF), a dynamic not-for-profit organization aimed at empowering musicians throughout South Africa. But MIAGI is about more than this; it is also about promoting music education as an effective tool for positive social development.
“MIAGI promotes music education for children and youth as an effective tool for social upliftment. Studies world-wide show that music education and participation in musical activities are the right tools to awaken young people’s creative vocation, promote social development and community cohesion, develop life skills and enhance career opportunities.”
Since 2001, MIAGI has hosted an international, intercultural festival which has seen collaborations with artists and ensembles such as Miriam Makeba, Soweto String Quartet, Maxim Vengerov, Louis Moholo, Irene Schweizer, Ngqoko Women Xhosa over-tone singers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Fazil Say, Duncan Ward, and the English Chamber Orchestra. MIAGI has also commissioned 14 major intercultural works (many of these works are now frequently performed during international tours and in South Africa), and facilitated numerous international opportunities and tours for South African soloists, ensembles and music students.
Recently, 2014, MIAGI Youth Orchestra performed to a sold out hall, the Berliner Philarmonie seating 1700 – the Berlin Philharmonic Hall is by many considered the most prestigious hall of its kind in Europe.
