The NWU Music Concert series of 2023 kicked off the first semester with Potchpourri, a combination of musical items by close acquaintances and staff members of the School of Music and Conservatory.

Tickets are available from R 120 per adult for each of the remaining eight events on the online ticket platform, Quicket.

Seasonal tickets to the eight remaining events are available at R 720 per adult, also on Quicket. Children can enter free of charge, but are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item (such as canned food) as an “entrance fee”.

7 March 2023 – Pictures at an Exhibition.

With Nina Schumann and Niel Rademan.

This piece by Russian composer Mussorgsky was originally created as a tone poem for a series of artworks by Victor Hartmann. Wilken Calitz, writer-musician, reimagined this work as a father-daughter trip to an exhibition.

Internationally successful voice artist Niel Rademan will be the narrator. Rademan worked with the best singers in the country such as Lynelle Kenned, Pumeza Matshikiza, and Minette du Toit Pearce amongst others. He sang in two productions on the West End in London, performed all over Europe in the past.

Yamaha international artist Nina Schumann will be the pianist. She received a number of academic prizes: Dean’s Medal (UK), Best Performing Artist (UCLA), Best Performing Artist (UNT), Best Pianist (UNT) and Best Doctoral Student (UNT). Schumann has taught master classes worldwide at prestigious international institutions and music schools, such as the Juilliard School.

14 March 2023 – Two Loves.

With Chris Vale, Franco Prinsloo, and Eugene Joubert.

The title of the recital refers to Lord Alfred Douglas’s poem, “Two Loves”, from which the famous phrase is taken: “I am the love that dare not speak its name”.

Chris Vale, as baritone, will take the listener on a magical journey with his velvet voice and gift of storytelling. Vale’s voice has been described as “a rare gem”. He specialises in the interpretation of art song and opera.

Franco Prinsloo, as composer, will move the audience with his unique tonal language, melodius writing, and sensitivity to text. Prinsloo has made his mark in recent years as one of South Africa’s foremost composers. He has received numerous awards for his work and was recently nominated for two SAMA-awards.

Eugene Joubert, as pianist, is known for his brilliance of tone and exceptional interpretation. Joubert studied in the USA at the Rice University, Shepherd School of Music in Houston, Texas. Pianist Eugene He is one of South Africa’s foremost collaborative artists, known for his rare and sensitive accompaniment in chamber music as well as art song.

The programme also includes the seldom performed cycle on texts by I.D du Plessis “Vreemde Liefde”, set to music by Hubert du Plessis.

23 March 2023 – Sonore.

With Piet Koornhof and Jana Mathee.

Piet Koornhof and Jana Mathee will once again present a fresh and surprising program for violin and piano that highlights the lyrical qualities of the violin. The program, called “SONORE”, features soulful music by composers VItali, Weinberg, Previn, Puts, Messiaen, Roslavets, Szymanowski and Barber.