Fidler in the Hood: When pipe dreams come true
The music struck a chord with Robert and after learning to play the pan pipes, he made a fair living out of it.
GREETINGS! Whilst walking in Shelly Centre recently, I heard what I thought to be the sound of music – and not any old music … and certainly not from the von Trapp family panto, but the sound of pan pipes.
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My first-of-the-day conversation with myself had me wondering if there had been an influx of Bolivians or Peruvians in town. There are Brazilians here, but those little guys with bowler hats and pet llamas – surely not?
The ‘call of the pipes’ became louder. No, it wasn’t Georg Zamfir, nor James Gallagher. It was, I discovered, a local musician who answered to the name ‘Roberto’. Good name that.
The music was loud and crystal clear and could be heard throughout the centre. I introduced myself and we agreed to meet up soon.
Robert and Li-Mai
We finally got together at Roberto’s lovely place in Shelly Beach. Coffee and Swiss chocolate was served by Roberto’s other half Li-Mai, while he explained that his real name is Robert – so what’s a little ‘o’ between friends?
His surname is Snyman and he has no connection with anything to do with Peru, but plays the pan pipes as good as any Incan. In fact, Robert is what would be described a real S’African; born in Outshoorn, CP, but educated ‘all over the country’ – his dad being an army man.
He furthered his education at Tukkies, Pretoria, and Basle, Switzerland. Besides having a penchant for Swiss chocolate, he became an enthusiastic snow skier.
Striking a chord
Whilst at university in Pretoria, Robert heard the music of popular Hungarian pan piper Georg Zamfir, whose record albums were best sellers in SA during the 70s and 80s. The music struck a chord (get it?) with Robert and after learning to play the pipes, he made a ‘fair living’ out of it.
‘Roberto’ became SA’s own ‘Georg Zamfir, a leading artist in his own right. LP records and cassette-tape sales sold well and Robert performed in ‘just about every city, town and dorp in the country’ (his words).
Television appearances, music awards and the red carpet treatment, Roberto was ‘flavour of the month’, both in RSA and the ‘outside world’. His reputation spread, leading to appearances and exhibitions in Switzerland, Canada, the UK and the Far East, including Hong Kong, Macao and Singapore.
Robert also started up his own successful pan pipe manufacturing factory in Pretoria, though it isn’t true that the Sun God King of the Incas placed an order with him.
Get a job
Music tastes change over the years and he was told to ‘get a proper job’ (his dad’s words). Roberto became just ‘Robert’ and he exchanged the world of pan pipe music for the field of computers to become a full-time computer programmer, specialising in the gambling industry.
Now I know why I never win the lottery! Time went by, and the South Coast beckoned. Together with ‘other half’, Li-Mai, formerly of Bloemfontein and Cathedral Peak, Drakensberg, the Snymans settled for Shelly Beach.
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He says he’s found the perfect lifestyle here. Having travelled the world over, Robert thinks the Hibiscus Coast has got it all – the beach, kayaking, deep-sea fishing and trying his hand at cuisine cooking. Li-Mai is more of the traditional cook in the house and both are lovers of classical music.
No regrets
Any regrets? Robert wishes he could have been a ‘French cuisine’ chef and had learnt to play the piano. Other than that, who could ask for anything more? Interview ended, he presented me with a copy of Roberto’s CD ‘Pipe Dreams’. The CO always maintains that I’m a dreamer, so – if the cap fits! I couldn’t have met a more positive person.
Catch the show
Vicky de Villiers and Callie Thomson return on Saturday, July 28, to present their ‘Winter Wonderland’ show. Last year’s ‘Christmas in July’ performance was a success and no doubt this year’s presentation will be just as good. Besides being an accomplished saxophone and clarinet player, Vicky plays a mean ‘cajon’, a Peruvian instrument. It’s hard to describe, so come along and see for yourselves. Callie Thomson is a fabulous ‘kitten on the keys’, too. If you are into really good music, then Azalea Hall is the place to be at the end of July.
See you there, Rob.
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