When Kristel Birkholtz lifts her violin and Rory Gaddin settles in behind his guitar, it’s more than a performance; it’s a partnership that has grown over decades.

The couple, whose band is named Cherry Pill, graced the Theatre on the Square with their presence on February 20.

“We kind of met through music,” they said. “Through a friend who’s a musician, and we have just been playing together ever since.”

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Both said they were raised in musical homes. “I grew up thinking everyone played an instrument,” Birkholtz said.

Gaddin’s path began with his father. “He used to wake us up with loud rock music. I fell in love with the guitar at about 12, and never looked back.”

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Over the years, they have performed everywhere, from small restaurants to international stages in Europe and America, but, despite the travel and variety, they have found their heart in intimate live shows. “We have done recordings, but what we realised is that we actually really love live music. That connection with people in the room, you can’t replace it,” Birkholtz said.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Kristel Birkholtz and Rory Gaddin perform. Video: Duduzile Khumalo #Sandton #musical ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Their career hasn’t been built on one dramatic breakthrough. “It’s been a slow-burning love affair with music,” Gaddin added.

Behind the scenes, they admit the work can be tough. “The music is the easy part. The marketing, the admin, following up on payments, that’s the hard part,” Birkholtz added.

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