The Concept of Cool Classic Kidz

Dear Reader

I would like to introduce you to an exciting new project called “Cool Classic Kidz”. Having taught music the past 20 years both in the WCED and privately I realized that there was a great need for our young music learners (primary school level) to be inspired and motivated. When starting out it is very exciting, but soon our young learners realize that it takes hard work, perseverance and diligent practice to master an instrument and really learn to play well. I needed something that could inspire the young learners as well as something to aspire to. It was very important that this is something attainable to ALL music learners irrespective of their level of playing.

Cool Classic Kidz is a radio program on FMR 101.3 on the last Saturday of every month at 13:45. In this program our young musicians from the Western Cape are featured performing a musical piece on their chosen instrument, as well as a very short interview.

The aim of this project is:

1. To give exposure to our talented young musicians

2. To give them something tangible to work for

3. To grow a sustainable audience for future musicians and ultimately create a sustainable market for our own professional performing classical musicians.

I am a firm believer that South Africa and the Western Cape have just as much talent as Europe, America or any other country. It is sad that our professional musicians feel the need to go oversees to “make it”.  We have proven in so many other spheres that South Africa can hold its own in the world. It is now time to grow our own markets and give exposure to our own musicians.

Ask any primary school learner who is Andre Rieu – and they will know. There is no reason we cannot have our own “stars” in South Africa and this project is just the humble start.

I hope you will share my passion and vision and play your part in supporting this project either through sponsorship, marketing or media. You can contact me at laurika@cpo.org.za or on 0722930954. I am looking forward to your contribution to this exciting project.

The Cool Classic Kidz CD

Music@Work has compiled a CD with radio programs from February to October 2010.  The CD has been reviewed by Rodney Trudgeon Program Manager at Fine Music Radio.  Our 2011 CD will be out at the end of January 2012.

Rodney Trudgeon:

“I wonder if you’ve heard the delightful and inspiring short programme on the last Saturday of each month at 13H45 on Fine Music Radio called “Cool Classic Kidz“?  If not, I thoroughly recommend it to you.  It is a programme which showcases the burgeoning talent of our very young, school-going music children and it is the brain child of Laurika Steenkamp of an organization called Music@Work.  This is a studio which records these youngsters in a fully professional manner, thereby giving them an opportunity of getting studio experience and exposure on FMR.

 When Laurika came to FMR with the idea of a fifteen minute showcase of young talent, we loved the idea and her incredible enthusiasm, which has ensured that for a year now, a whole lot of talented children have been able to hear themselves on the radio!  They may not have had the thrill of winning a major competition, but at least their efforts are rewarded with some form of exposure.  And not only that, the indefatigable Laurika makes sure that all the parents, teachers and pupils at the various schools from which these kids come, are at their radios on Saturday afternoon to listen.  This, as you can imagine, gives FMR the opportunity of building an even bigger and younger audience.

Laurika has now issued a 2 CD set of all the programmes from 2010 and it is a delight to listen to!  Each 15 minute programme has Laurika introducing the children and their recordings and, occasionally, interviewing them.  We at FMR are thrilled with the project which we hope will grow from strength to strength.  This 2 CD set is tangible evidence of the love, enthusiasm and talent for music which exists in our schools.”

The CD can be downloaded at: http://rhythmmusicstore.com/music/6923/Cool-Classic-Kidz/2010-CD1 and http://rhythmmusicstore.com/music/6922/Cool-Classic-Kidz/2010-CD2

Review by Rodney Trudgeon FMR101.3 www.fmr.co.za

Cool Classic Kidz the SHOW

We have taken Cool Classic Kidz a step further by introducing a 40 min show which had their first performance at the Greyton/Genadendal Classic for All festival in June 2011. This show will now be featured at the Suidoosterfees in February 2012 at Artscape. The show tells the story of 8 Primary School friends who arranges a benefit concert to assist one of their class-mates during difficult financial times.  Children from 9 different schools in the Western Cape participate in this unforgettable inspiring production.  Our two Cool Classic Kidz ambassadors Milan and Lilo also entertains the audience with their quirky remarks.  A show not to be missed!

If you would like to book this show please contact Laurika at 0722930954.

Cool Classic Kidz is sponsored by:

 

 

 

Violin pedagogue Jack de Wet

Violin pedagogue Jack de Wet (as published by Classicsa 20.02.2012)

Prof Jack de Wet has produced some of South Africa’s best violinists, e.g. Pieter Schoeman, Jan Repko,  Avigali Bushakevitz, to name but a few. This formidable pedagogue, at 82, is still teaching from Cape Town and his philisophy about teaching is an inspiration for many musicians.

How were you introduced to the violin?

JDW: When I was four we lived in Lady Grey in the Eastern Cape. People living in the town found me standing in the same place every week in front of a house, standing absolutely still – just listening.  This was quite unusual for a four year old.  My parents soon realized that I stood there listening to a violin being played – I adored the sound it made. I never saw the instrument – just listened to the beautiful sound.

When did you start your music career?

JDW: When we moved to Pretoria, there was a “Professor of the Violin” from Holland that advertised violin lessons.  As my parents knew I loved the violin’s sound, I started with lessons. I progressed very fast as I really enjoyed playing. By the age of seven I was playing at Eisteddfods and was also featured on a children’s programme on the radio.

When my family asked me what I would like to become one day, I replied “a Professor”,  since I thought that is what a violinist is called.  My nickname thus became “professor”.  Ironically, the day I really became a Professor, everyone started calling me Jack!

What did you find most challenging of learning the violin?

JDW: I never experienced it as challenging as for me playing violin was part of my routine, practising, going to lessons and I also played in an Orchestra “Die Bondsorkes”.  We played at various functions and I became well-known as I was the only child (then 10) in the orchestra.  I really loved playing! I travelled to Pretoria by train for my lessons as we lived on a farm outside Pretoria.  In the mornings I travelled with a passenger train, but in the afternoon when I returned there was only a “goods” train.  They knew to pick me up and drop me off at our farm.  One of our workers then fetched me with his bicycle for another 2 mile drive.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for young children when starting violin lessons?

JDW: Violin teachers teach their students the same way they were taught, without questioning old methods of teaching.  One should not just teach the way you were taught, but keep on investigating what works, what does not and not just stick to tradition.  We keep telling our students to “listen to yourself”, but that is not enough.

One should not forget the “sense of touch” when playing the violin.  An excellent article on this subject is “Feeling is believing”, published in The Strad in June 2009.  Remember all knowledge should be tested.  Without the testing of knowledge there can be no growth.

What role do the parents play in a child’s violin tuition?

JDW: Children and parents should form a team.  Parents should attend the lessons.  There is nothing better for a child’s self-image than to feel supported by their parents.

Suzuki taught violin until the age of 104.  I visited him to learn more.  Just before he went into a beginner’s class he always paused for a moment.  When asking him about it he replied that he had to “become 5 or 6 years old” himself.  When I was younger I was known as a very strict teacher.  I also questioned him on his gentle way of working with the children.  I asked him if anger is ever useful.  He replied “of course” and I asked him when?  He said “when it helps”, so I asked him when it does help and he replied NEVER!  When I returned to the Free State after my visit I started teaching in the gentle way.  Some of the parents phoned my wife and asked her if I was ill!

How do you view the future of classical musicians in South Africa and do they need to go overseas to “make it”?

JDW: Our musicians have a role to play in South African in bringing our people together through music.  I think there is an “over supply” of soloists abroad.  Many young musicians leave here with expectations that are too high.  In Europe, teachers want young musicians that would bring them credit.  Even through the depression years music teachers always had work.  We have an amazing country – we need to build relationships through music.

You taught in Soweto in the Apartheid years – what was your experience there?

JDW: In those years white people were not allowed to go into Soweto, so they would put me in a taxi with two big men next to me, as to hide me.  I would also wear a hat and a big coat as disguise. I greatly valued the experiences I had there and have a great passion and understanding for teaching students from difficult circumstances.

What role does music and music teaching play in South Africa?

JDW: The purpose of music in this country is to create a sense of team-work, nation building and to bring people closer together.  “Mense wat saam musiek maak, baklei nie.” (People who make music together cannot fight.)  Music teachers will always have jobs and the work they do through music is essential in South Africa.

What is your life philosophy?

JDW: “Die dag wat jy nie ‘n nuwe idee gehad het nie, was a vrugtelose dag.” (The day you did not have any new ideas is a day wasted.)

Published 20.02.2012. Interview by Laurika Steenkamp.

 

Baroque masterclasses Presented by Antoinette Lohmann—violin (Netherlands)

Baroque masterclasses

Presented by

Antoinette Lohmann—violin

(Netherlands)

Programme for the Baroque Master Classes on 7 March,C1

14h00 – 16h00 Individual Classes:

14h00            Bjorn Lawson                     A.Vivaldi Concerto in a minor,1^st movement

14h30            Kaylen Lewis                      G.F.Handel Sonata in e major, Adagio and Allegro

15h00            Tineke Wolfaardt   J.S.Bach Allemande from Sonata in d minor for solo violin

15h30            Wian Zeeman                     J.S.Bach Courente from Sonata in d minor for solo violin

16h00            Tea break

16h15        Lecture on: Baroque Performance Practice.

17h00            Orchestra Master class with the Hugo Lambrechts Senior String Orchestra

Conductor: Valentina Koleva-Vorster                                                                                                                                                                       A. Vivaldi Concerto for strings in G Major  “alla rustica”

H. Purcell Chaconne

Antoinette Lohmann (Amsterdam, 1969) grew up surrounded by Hungarian and Rumanian gypsy music. Her father played cymbalom and piano, her mother cello. Antoinette began violin and piano lessons at the age of eight and played the pan-flute every now and then.
In 1987 she began violin studies at the Sweelinck Conservatorium with Jean Louis Stuurop and viola with Esther van Stralen. The knowledge and interest of her violin teacher inspired her to begin studying baroque violin with Lucy van Dael. She also followed courses with Jaap Schröder, among others.
Antoinette has always been active in varied musical areas and her experience includes playing violin and viola in the Argentinian tango group Bailongo and performing with the well-known Argentinian bandoneon player Rodolfo Mederos. For many years Antoinette led a salon orchestra and performed with the well-known music-theatre group Flairck in the production ‘Gouden Eeuw’, in which she performed on violin, viola and viola d’ amore. Equally at home playing contemporary music, Antoinette was a member of the Helios ensemble, with which she recorded the work of Dutch composers such as Tristan Keuris, Jaap Geraedts and Ludwig Otten. The latter dedicated to Antoinette two of his viola works which were published by Donemus.

Currently her repertoire stretches from the early seventeenth century to the late nineteenth century, and she has a special interest in performance on unusual instruments such as the viola d’ amore, the tenor violin and the piccolo violin and has extensively explored their repertoire. At the moment Antoinette is immersed in study of the lira da braccio.

In recent years she has focussed primarily on chamber music. Together with pianist Vaughan Schlepp she recorded the complete sonatas for piano and violin by Joseph Martin Kraus (1756-1792) and Margarethe Danzi for Challenge Records. For Slot Zuylen Antoinette produced and recorded a CD featuring chamber music of Bella van Zuylen (Isabelle de Charrière) and, for the series ‘Museum gifts’, a CD featuring Dutch music of the early baroque. She has also made numerous recordings with chamber music groups including the Nederlandse Bachvereniging (formerly Cappella Figuralis), Ensemble Schönbrunn and island.
In addition Antoinette has performed in countless orchestras and ensembles, such as la Sfera Armoniosa, the Utrechts Barok Consort, Anima Eterna, Musica Temprana, Al Ayre Espanol, the Freiburger Barock Orchester and many others.

Antoinette teaches principal study Baroque violin and viola at the Utrecht Conservatorium of Music .

ENTRY: R50 contact: strings@hugolambrechts.co.za

Schools invited to attend the CPO Final Dress Rehearsals

Schools invited to attend the CPO Final Dress Rehearsals

 

Dear Music Teacher

The Cape Philharmonic orchestra invites all schools to attend their final dress rehearsals before each concert, free of charge, at the Cape Town City Hall.(A small donation towards the Orchestra and their Outreach programs, will be greatly appreciated)  This would give many learners the opportunity to experience a full symphony orchestra.

If any of your school learners would like to attend any of the dress rehearsals below, (music subject students or any others) you can contact Jutta from the Friends of the Orchestra at 021 434 2477 or 082 079 0502 to make a booking.

Please see the schedule below for the programs presented.

 

10 May 10:00 am

Conductor:	VLADIMIR PONKIN
Soloist:	SPENCER MYER (piano)
BRAHMS	Tragic Overture, Op. 81
MOZART	Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K466
BEETHOVEN	Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

In the early 1990s VLADIMIR PONKIN, was appointed Music Director of the Moscow State Philharmonic Orchestra and shortly after Krzyztof Penderecki recommended him for the same position to the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra. One of Ponkin’s greatest achievements with this orchestra was a performance of Penderecki’s monumental and extremely difficult composition ‘Jutrznia’ (Utrenia) for soloists, choir and orchestra which was prepared for a concert in Stockholm within the framework of a festival dedicated to the composer. Penderecki highly appreciated Ponkin’s skill and announced: “After this concert I have no desire at all to conduct this composition myself.”

Winner of the prestigious 2008 New Orleans International Piano Competition, the young SPENCER MYER rapidly established himself as one of the most outstanding pianists of his generation. His fifth South African tour precedes engagements with the Wyoming and Bozeman Symphony Orchestras, debuts with Boston’s Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra and the Springfield, Juneau and Acadiana Symphony Orchestras as well as recitals throughout the United States.

17 May 10:00 am

Conductor:	VLADIMIR PONKIN
Soloist:	ALEXANDER GILMAN (violin)
WAGNER	Rienzi: Overture WWV49
BRAHMS	Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77
SHOSTAKOVICH	Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Op. 10

ALEXANDER GILMAN received his first violin lesson when he was six years old and performed his concert debut at the Gasteig in Munich when he was seven. After scooping various prizes in the Jugend Musiziert programme, Gilman became an honorary citizen of his hometown near Munich at the age of 12.
His debut CD was released on Oehms Classics, recorded with his chamber music partner Marina Seltenreich.

24 May 10:00 am

Conductor:	VICTOR YAMPOLSKY
Soloist:	FRANÇOIS DU TOIT (piano)
SMETANA	The Bartered Bride: Overture
XAVER SCHARWENKA	Piano Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 82
BRAHMS	Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98

Esteemed teacher, conductor and violinist, VICTOR YAMPOLSKY is Professor in Music Performance at the Northwestern University School of Music, USA. He has conducted over 70 professional and student orchestras throughout the world, including repeated engagements with orchestras in the United States, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and Chile.

31 May 10:00 am

Conductor:	VICTOR YAMPOLSKY
Soloist:	ALEXANDER RAMM (cello)
BERLIOZ	Roman Carnival
ELGAR	Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
DVORÁK	Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (From the New World)

ALEXANDER RAMM is one of Russia’s finest young cellists to have performed concerts in the greatest concert halls including the Rachmaninov Hall and the State Conservatory in Russia. Born in 1988 in Vladivostok, he has won several international prizes including the 2010 Unisa International String Competition, the Beijing International Music Competition in China this year as well as the 2010 National Music Competition in Russia.

I trust that you will visit us in the near future!

Kind regards

Laurika Steenkamp

Outreach and Education Manager

Cape Philharmonic Orchestra

021 410 9982

laurika@cpo.org.za

Congratulations ClassicSa!

www.classicsa.co.za, South Africa’s foremost website for classical music celebrates its 2^nd birthday this month.

Since its launch two years ago, this formidable website has become the leading mouthpiece for classical music in South Africa, informing its users of breaking news on a daily basis in the classical music world, keeping them up to date with who’s who on the local music scene, as well as events and concerts.

To date, www.classicsa.co.za has published over 100 weekly Focus On features, engaging a broad selection of South Africa’s top classical musicians e.g. tenor Johan Botha, conductor Gerard Korsten and répétiteur Brenda Rein, as well as talented young South African musicians breaking into the international classical music circuit e.g. soprano Pretty Yende, baritone Njabulo Madlala, pianists Ben Schoeman and James Baillieu. This column also offers the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have made vast contributions to the South African classical music industry, e.g. Mimi Coertze, Nellie du Toit, and Emma Renzi, Marian Lewin, Thomas Rajna and Barry Smith.

In the daily News and Reviews column, the website keeps its pulse on news in the industry – current competitions, awards, achievements, auditions and important happenings.

With nearly 6000 concerts and events listed over the past two years, music lovers from all over the world can benefit from the What’s On calendar, which offers a comprehensive diary of which concerts and events take place around South Africa on a daily basis.

The extensive directory on the site offers all classical music practitioners in South Africa the opportunity to advertise their services, which in turn allows the website’s users to engage directly with musicians, teachers, music shops, piano tuners, etc.

Newsletter subscribers of the site have the opportunity to win exciting prizes each month. This could be tickets to some of the top concerts in the country, or season tickets to symphony orchestra seasons. Additionally, Classicsa Page on Facebook provides a lively and interactive forum for friends of the website to share their views on published features, as well as photo albums capturing music lovers seen at concerts and events.

Founder Louis Fouche says that apart from providing a centralized platform for classical music and its many different components, the aim of www.classicsa.co.za is ultimately to make classical music more accessible to a much broader community, specifically younger and emerging audiences. “Contrary to general perception, the classical music industry in South Africa is extremely vibrant and of great social importance, and we want to reflect this on the site with a fresh approach. The key to the sustainability of classical music in our country therefore is to inform, communicate, and to create dialogue in order to work towards a new support base.”

If you are interested in more information, please go to www.classicsa.co.za or contact info@classicsa.co.za.

ENDS

Issued by

Christien Coetzee Klingler

Editor, media relations

+27 (0)21 461 7617

+27 (0) 84 356 8833

christiencoetzee@classicsa.co.za

www.classicsa.co.za

 

News from the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra

6th Cape Town International Summer Music Festival The highlight of this year’s Festival is a spectacular opera gala concert with two of the world’s top international opera stars, the American tenor Neil Shicoff and the sensational Russian mezzo Olesya Petrova on 25 February in the Artscape Opera House.This spectacular concert includes well-known arias by Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Mascagni and Saint-Saëns and will also feature South African-born baritone Colin Schachat and soprano Goitsemang Lehobye. The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Richard Cock. Festival Symphony Concert 3 9 February –  20:00 Youth Ochestra Festival Concert 11 February –  20:00 Festival Opera Gala Concert 25 February 20:30 Festival Gala Concert – Kirstenbosch 26 February Upcoming productions in March/April   Starlight Classics  The Cape Philharmonic will once again accompany soloists who will perform in the annual Starlight Classics spectacular event on 2 March (19:30) and 3 March (19:00) at the Vergelegen Wine Farm. This year’s stars includes Joseph Clark, who is well-known for his startling performances in a tribute to Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant saxophonist, Andrew Young, dynamic songbird Nomfundo Xaluva and Charlize Berg, the young Afrikaans soloist. The CPO will be joined by the SA Youth Choir, with dancers from Cape Town Ballet and Ubuntu B-boys. Celebrity conductor Richard Cock will be on the podium and Ian von Memerty is the Show Director.   Fidelio  The CPO will join Cape Town Opera in their production of Beethoven’s Fidelio on 7, 9 and 10 March in the Castle of Good Hope at 19:30. The conductor is Philippe Pointner.   Messiah  The CPO will be joined by the Philharmonia Choir of Cape Town in Handel’s Oratorio Messiah on 2 and 4 April in the City Hall at 19:30.   Giselle  Conductor Allan Stephenson will conduct the CPO in Cape Town City Ballet’s production of Giselle by Adam on from 12 –13 April in the Artscape Opera House at 20:00   La Bohème  The CPO performs in the Cape Town Opera production of Puccini’s La Boheme on May 5, 9, 11, 16 and 19 in the Opera House at 19:30. Jeremy Silver will be on the podium. Entries open for 2nd Len van Zyl Conductors’ CompetitionEntries for the second Len van Zyl Conductors’ Competition are now open to South African nationals who were under the age of 33 on 1 January 2012 and who have undergone at least part of their music training in South Africa. The competition is run as an initiative to support and develop classical music talent in South Africa. A financial trust was created by Mr Len van Zyl for this purpose, who believes that the development of young talent is a vital part of keeping classical music alive and well.   Three international CD releases by the Cape Philharmonic OrchestraThe young violinist Alexander Gilman presents the most beautiful music, composed by American composers in the last century. On this new CD with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Perry So, Alexander recorded the concertos of S. Barber and E. W. Korngold, the Carmen Fantasie by F. Waxman and the Theme from Steven Spielberg´s Movie “Schindlers List” by J. Williams.This CD was released on OEHMS Classics label and was recently nominated as the Classical CD of the week in the Financial Times Germany. The CPO has also released a double CD of short orchestral masterpieces on the DUX label. The conductor on this CD is Owain Arwel Hughes. The Allan Stephenson CD with the Cape Philharmonic conducted by him consists of his compositions, Burlesque for Double Bass and Small Orchestra (1974), Concerto for Double Bass and Small Orchestra (2005) and Concerto for Cello and Full Orchestra (2004). The soloists are Leon Bosch (Double Bass) and Peter Martens (Cello). www.cpo.org.za Staff NewsMariechen Meyer joined the orchestra as tutti Double Bass from 1 January 2012. Mariechen Meyer married ad hoc viola player Jan-Hendrik Harley in December. Caroline van Renen, CPO Principal Horn, married freelance clarinettist Daniel Prozesky in December. Paula Fourie, CPO Principal Viola, married Alex Gabriel in December. Oscar Kitten has been appointed to replace Beatrix du Toit as Sub-Principal Clarinet and will join the orchestra from 1 April 2012. Beatrix du Toit is leaving the orchestra to pursue her other forte as an artist.

Our CDs

Alfred Schnittke: World Premiere recordings of Symphony No 0 and Oratorio Nagasaki

Recorded during the Cape Town International Summer Music Festival, November 2006

Conductor: Owain Arwel Hughes
Mezzo-soprano: Hanneli Rupert
Cape Town Opera Voice of the Nation

Alfred Schnittke: World Premiere recording of Concerto Grosso No. 1 and Symphony No. 9

Recorded during the Cape Town International Summer Music Festival, November 2008

Conductor: Owain Arwel Hughes Soloists: Sharon Bezaly (flute) and Christopher Cowie (oboe)

Although available at select CD stores, copies of these CDs may also be obtained directly from the CPO at +27 21 410 9809 or info@cpo.org.za

In addition, the Friends of Orchestral Music sell CDs before the start and during the intervals at symphony concerts.

Cape Philharmonic Orchestra Telephone +27 21 410 9809 – Fax +27 21 425 1009 – info@cpo.org.za – http://www.cpo.org.za/

Stagecoach South Africa

Stagecoach Somerset West is part of the leading international network of part-time performing arts schools. With over 700 theatre schools worldwide and more than 40,000 students, Stagecoach Theatre Arts has built a reputation for excellence in the performing arts for children over more than twenty-five years.

If your child is creative and you have been looking at the various dance schools, drama classes and singing lessons available in the area, Stagecoach Somerset West is the answer. Stagecoach is more than just a stage school, theatre school or drama school: it is a full and rounded education, teaching life skills that build confidence and stretch imaginations through singing, acting and dance. Every child needs an outlet for their natural creativity, and at Stagecoach, we nurture their sparks of inspiration and watch them grow over time into talents and confidence.

Taking classes in singing, dance and drama has been proven to build self-esteem. Dance and singing classes help to understand and improve rhythm and numeracy, and also provide healthy exercise. Drama classes are great for developing problem solving, articulation, and presentation skills, essential social tools. At Stagecoach we help children develop in all these areas and at the same time introduce them to a range of musical genres and skills in a friendly, safe and fun environment. We pride ourselves on building confidence in each child, at their own pace, with the support of the group.

Our classes
Early Stages sessions are for children aged 4-7 years. Children are introduced to musical theatre through drama, dance and singing classes in a ninety-minute session. Classes are restricted to 15, allowing us to nurture, encourage and inspire.

At the Main School, young people aged 7-18 years participate in a weekly three-hour session where they learn the skills to sing, dance and act, and experiment with more challenging performance work in appropriate age groups. They work in small class sizes with friends of like mind and varying abilities.

Holiday workshops
Stagecoach Somerset West also gives your child an insight into drama, dance and singing through our week-long holiday workshops. You do not have to be a Stagecoach student to participate. Stagecoach holiday workshops are intensive and fun, and children find out about workings of the theatre. Through the week they prepare a show and then perform to an invited audience on the final day. Every child is given a part suitable to their age and ability; there is no time for boredom and each child has their chance to shine.

Our teachers are skilled professionals and inspiring individuals who are passionate about their art forms. They have police clearance and have access to ongoing training.

Where we are
Stagecoach Somerset West runs weekly classes at The Helderberg Gemeente, 82 Firmount Road, Somerset West, and covers the areas in the Helderberg, the Cape Winelands, and wider Western Cape.

Why do it
There are many reasons to enrol your child at Stagecoach Somerset West: your child may already be a performer, or an imaginative and creative individual who needs a chance to flourish. It may be that your child simply needs an opportunity to develop their self-esteem in a safe and nurturing environment, away from competitive social challenges. Stagecoach Somerset West is the place for all 4-18 year olds to grow essential skills in presentation, performance and cooperation. If you are looking for dance classes, singing lessons or acting classes for your child, Stagecoach Somerset West has it all … and all under one roof.

Stagecoach Somerset West

Principal: Melanie Williss
PO Box 819,
Somerset Mall,
7137

School address 

Tel: 07413 79674

http://www.stagecoachschools.co.za/somersetwest.html

South African National Youth Orchestra News

Some of the strings from the NYO for the Umculo | Cape Festival opera production of Fairy Queen by Henry Purcell. Back row L-R: Jonathan Mayer (Johannesburg | teacher: Irene Tsoniff), Sumeet Sarkar (Bloemfontein | teacher: Sharon de Kock), Samantha van Gysen (Cape Town | teacher: Prof. Jack de Wet), Pascali Mokadi (East Rand | teacher Pienaar Fourie) and in front: Ye-Chan Park (Bloemfontein |teacher Jeanne-Louise Moolman) Photograph by Elmarie van der Vyfer   If love’s a sweet passion, why does it torment? A new kind of music theatre brings South Africans from a wide range of backgrounds with international stars for six performances this March. Join us for a musical journey into Shakespeare’s world of midsummer magic and madness with Umculo| Cape Festivalʼs staging of “The Fairy Queen” (Henry Purcell).   The performances, 23-25 March at Johannesburgʼs UJ Theatre and 30 March-1 April at Cape Townʼs Joseph Stone theatre, present Purcellʼs 1692 setting of Shakespeareʼs romantic comedy in an innovative staging. Award-winningGerman director Robert Lehmeierʼs staging addresses themes of gender and identity in way that is playful, provocative and moving. Michael Maxwellʼs lighting and Thando Lobeseʼs costumes translate Shakespeareʼs tale into a contemporary setting of convention, cruelty, confusion, and transfiguration. By making baroque opera with social goals, mentoring structures that extend from local communities to international opera stages, cutting-edge production values and a contemporary message, Umculo | Cape Festival takes a trend that has been growing across South African in recent years to a new level. More info   “It’s the first time I am playing in a group with string instruments – and they play all the time, so it’s easy to find your place if you get lost! It’s cool. I think I’m going to write a jazz piece based on the Purcell we’re doing now.” Khayalethu Benela (22) a trumpeter teaching for the Field Band Foundation in Blouberg, who is playing in the orchestra for the production. Khaya has been given the amazing opportunity through the Field Band Foundation to study in Norway next year.   Thank you to our wonderful tutors: Amanda Low (recorder), John Coulter (harpsichord), Elmarie van der Vyfer (viola) and Samson Diamond (violin) who helped us on our first rehearsal weekend from 2-5 February. Check out the photos here on our Facebook Page. Sasol National Youth Orchestra Course 2012 Thank you to Sasol, who have sponsored us since 1979, for making our orchestra courses possible. For up-to-date course information, please visit www.sanyo.org.za/courses/course-info-2012/

 

Join us on Facebook by following the link: www.facebook.com/SANYOF In world news: see what the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment is doing to bring music to the people

 

Auditions in February   Our audition tour starts on 9 February and extends until the end of the month. All of our anonymous recorded auditions then get sent off to top professional musicians who screen them for our orchestra courses in June and December.   22 June – 1 July 2012 is the Sasol National Youth Orchestra Course in Johannesburg   6-16 December 2012 is the National Youth Wind Orchestra’s third course, and our first National Youth String Orchestra course. Members of the NYO in December will be selected to play alongside the Zurich Chamber Orchestra on their tour to South Africa in January 2013 under the baton of Sir Roger Norrington.       More info         What do you think?     “I like the way these young musicians take ownership of their music and of their musical career. They understand that if they are professional in this setting, they can be professional elsewhere. It is the purpose of a course, to build up their skills and confidence.” Andrea Hobson is the head of operations for the Foundation Do you want to contribute to making Nationals better? Do you have a great idea you’d like to share, or an experience from your time with the orchestra?   Email us on info@sanyo.org.za or phone us on 0832722117 or complete the survey online       Let a Child Play! Every year hundreds of young musicians from across the country audition for our orchestra coursesSome cannot afford travel costs or course fees. Some need music lessons and instruments, a new set of strings or a bowtie. Are you able to help us realise their musical dreams? Please call us on 0832722117 or email us on info@sanyo.org.za if you are able to help.   The National Youth Orchestra has partnered with the Play It Again Foundation since 2009 to give young musicians access to instruments and musical tuition. If you have an instrument you no longer play perhaps it can be put to good use by this organisation.   A special thank you to Lyndee du Toit who has sponsored a young violinist to attend orchestra courses in 2010 and 2011.       More Info

 

National Youth Orchestra Regional Representative in the news!   Marvin Weavers, a viola player from Elsies River and Regional Representative for the National Youth Orchestra Foundation, has just got the job as an administrative assistant for the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra for their education and outreach programme. He also made the news in this great article in the Argus. Well done, Marvin! We’re so proud of you!

Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre Concert Festival

  

Dear Colleagues

 

Please find attached Entry forms for the Concerto Festival 2012.

This event is a highlight on our calendar and will be held on the 28^th of August and closing date for entries is on the 13^th of March.

 

For any enquiries please contact info@hugolambrechts.co.za

 

Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre Concert Festival

26 August 2012

E-mail entries  to info@hugolambrechts.co.za or fax to the number below.

Entry fees       R150 (not refundable).   Electronic payments Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre.      ABSA. Branch Code  502 110.   Account  number  390 175 671.                                    Please attach proof of payment to entry form.

 

Closing date   13 MARCH 2012

 

• Any school-going pupil or ex Music Centre student (max 21 years) may apply, except those who played in 2011.

• Auditions will take place at the beginning of the 2^nd term at the Music Centre.   Applicants attend the auditions at their own expense.

• Works must be performed with accompaniment.   Applicants must provide their own accompanist.

• Two copies of solo parts with accompaniment must be available for the adjudicators.   Loose pages of solo parts are not acceptable.   These copies can be collected after the auditions.

• Successful candidates must perform the same work at the Concerto Festival.   Maximum duration 10 minutes.

• Any work accompanied by orchestra is acceptable.   Orchestral scores and parts must be available inSouth Africa.

• Only one work per entry.

• Works for organ or two pianos are unfortunately not possible.

• The adjudicators` decision is final and no discussion will be entered into.

 

 

CONCERTO  FESTIVAL  2012  ENTRY FORM

 

Pupil

Surname _________________________________ Name _________________________________________________

Date of birth _________________________

Parents – Father (Title) ______________

Initials _________________   Surname _______________________________________________________________

Mother (Title) ________________

Initials _________________   Surname _______________________________________________________________

Postal address ___________________________________________________________________________________

Code ___________________________                     Tel No _______________________________________________

Cell No________________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________

 

School or Educational Institution   _________________________________________________________________

Grade (2012) ____________

Headmaster (Title) ____________

Initials ________________   Surname ________________________________________________________________

Postal address ___________________________________________________________________________________

Code ______________ E-mail ______________________________________________________________________

Music Teacher (Title) __________

Initials ______________   Surname __________________________________________________________________

Postal address ___________________________________________________________________________________

Code _____________________________                       Tel No ____________________________________________

Cell No_________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________

Accompanist (Title)   _____________

Initials ________________   Surname ________________________________________________________________

Postal address ___________________________________________________________________________________

Code  ___________________________                    Tel No _______________________________________________

Cell No________________________________E-mail ___________________________________________________

 

Work to be performed

Complete title of work ____________________________________________________________________________

Composer ___________________________________________ Instrument __________________________________

Movements and tempo indications ___________________________________________________________________

Key ____________________ Opus No ______________________ Exact duration_____________________________

Publisher _______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________        ______________________________               _________________________

Parent                                      Music Teacher                                                  Date

Who is on Cool Classic Kidz Saturday 28 January 2012?

Victoria(11) and Naomi (9)Fokkens with their sister and dad, Alex. Alex is a famous conductor!

Jana Botha with her clarinet (Monte Vista Primary)

Estee Adams (10) from Erica Primary. She does music at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre.

 

Estee with Henk Steenkamp (MusicatWork) www.musicatwork.co.za

 

Corne van Dyk with his sax in studio.

Markus Duvenhage (8) and Durbanville Voorbereidings Skool

 

Our trio was featured on December Cool Classic Kidz program. They are from Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre

Josh Southgate from Silversands Primary was featured on our Desember program.

To learn more about MusicatWork and recording there, go to www.musicatwork.co.za or phone Henk at 0797896720.  MusicatWork is committed to develop our Youth and Classical Music in the Western Cape.

Masidlale – a Music Project Changing Lives

This project has grown from strength to strength now including three schools.  The project is led by Maria Botha and her team consisting of Thembisa Ntshongontshi, Noluvuyo Nteta and Siyatheba Nteta.  There are 120 learners in the program (40 in each school).  They are trained in the Suzuki method which leans strongly on mother tongue teaching, one of the reasons why this project is so successful.

The more advanced group of learners preform regularly and has entertained and amazed audiences with their skills, passion and utter enjoyment for what they do.  The project has a dual purpose in that it brings training to learners in previously disadvantaged areas, but it also serves to provide a training platform for upcoming violin teachers as the CPO is actively involved in developing the education team through consistent training and mentoring.  Special mention needs to be made of the three schools Headmasters, staff and parent community that play a key role in these projects success. Involving the whole community in this project is key to its success.

 They have gone the extra mile in supporting this program and needs to be congratulated on their schools involvement and progress. We are now working towards securing enough instruments so that each learner can have his/her own violin to practice on at home.

Formal Theory tuition will be included in this program by the start of next term as to equip the learners with all the skills needed to progress to taking music as a school subject in the High School. Mr Louis van Loggrenberg (South African theory book author) in partnership with AllMusic will be providing all our learners with theory books at cost.  We are also working on translating his book into Xhosa as to provide theory lessons in their mother tongue language.

Siyabulela Primary Learners at Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre with their violin teachers

Exposing the learners to other young violinists is very important.  We therefore took 10 young learners from Siyabulelo Primary to listen to a Strings Concert presented at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre.

Creating long-term sustainability is absolute key to this project’s success.  We are putting all measures in place to ensure that these learners can be our future musicians!

 

 

Masidlale Recorded for Cool Classic Kidz on Fine Music Radio (aired 27/08)

5 Masidlale learners were selected by Maria to record for the Cool Classic Kidz program on Fine Music Radio.  They were taken to the studio and recorded with piano accompaniment (for the first time ever) like true professionals.  Each one also did a short interview.  After the program was aired a person called into the station inquiring about the project.  Many listeners AND FMR personnel did not know that CPO had a strings project – but they certainly do now.

Performance at Grand Café for “I was shot foundation”

10 children from Masidlale played at a function at the Grand Café.  They were very well received and did an excellent job.  All our teachers and project leader performed with them.

Sonwabo School Concert

Nolovuyo organized a school concert at Sonwabo Primary.  The rest of the school was so excited that they all joined in and eventually presented a Heritage day concert at the Gugulethu Community hall.  We had to take violins over from the other schools since this was the first time that all 40 students performed together.  They also accompanied the choir.  The Violin students’ parents attended and had the opportunity to see them perform.  Congratulations to Nolovuyo for all the arrangements and hard work!

 Siyabulela Primary performed at the opening of the Langa Museum

The learners of Siyabulela Primary, under Siyathemba’s direction, had their first public performance.  They performed at the City of Cape Town’s opening of the Langa museum and had the Mayor as an audience.  They did exceptionally well as this was their very first performance and they have only been doing violin since the start of the year.  Some learners from Hlengisa Primary also performed.  We made a point of giving other learners in the program to also have the opportunity to perform – for many it was also their first!

Masidlale performed at Showcase Concert

16 learners performed at the CPYO Outreach and Education Showcase concert as curtain raiser to the CPYO and CPYWE.  Transport was also provided to their parents and teachers.  Special mention needs to be made of our driver Mogamat Davis, who started with transport at 7:00 Saturday morning and dropped off the last people at 23:00.

It was very important for us to include their parents in this concert so that they can experience first-hand what their children are involved in.  The Masidlale learners also had the opportunity to listen to the Orchestra’s and see their teachers perform in an orchestra.  They played very well – once again it was a first to many of them.

Masidlale performed at The Artscape National Youth Festival

The Masidlale kids welcomed all the quests in the foyer with their beautiful playing, setting the tone for an evening of excellent music performed by our Youth.

Performing at the Orchard 10 Masked Ball at the Table Bay Hotel at the V&A Waterfront

The Masidlale kids were treated to a wonderful lunch got dressed in the hotels spa (like true VIP’s) and performed to many celebrities including the Top Billing Team.  Their teachers looked like true celebrities!  They were featured of Top Billing and Expresso (TV 3) please see link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb2aKc2L-Yo

 

Masidlale Performed at Centre of the Book for the

Young Presidents Organization 17 November 2011

 

Masidlale was invited to perform at Centre of the book by the Young Presidents Organization.  Eight senior students were selected for this performance as it was within their school exams, but they still committed to giving a superb performance. Very positive feedback was received.

 

First Ever Music Exams at Sonwabo, Hlengisa and Siyabulela Primary

All Masidlale project learners played their very first music exams.  Some of the less advanced learners were evaluated in a group class but all the advanced students played an individual exam.  Some were very nervous since they are accustomed to play in a group but all did very well.  It was now possible to evaluate all 120 learners and identify the leaners that showed exceptional talent.  Care will be taken to fast-track these learners. All learners will receive a music report that provides them and their parents with valuable feedback and encouragement.

The launch of the first Suzuki Teachers Training Course in Cape Town took take place at the Tea Room in the Company Gardens on Sunday, 11 December at 17:00.

This event included a public  Suzuki masterclass which will be attended by violin teachers from South Africa, Canada, America and Europe. It gave violin students in the city and children from the Masidlale Music Teaching Project in Langa, Nyanga and Guguletu an opportunity to participate in this very special event and attain valuable experience.

Maria Botha, the CPO’s Masidlale Project Leader says, “The event is to celebrate the achievements of the violin students who have attended classes throughout the year”.

Masidlale performing at Nederburg Wine farm on 26 November 2011.