Works by South African Composers
Pieter van Zyl (piano), Liesl Stoltz (flute), Matthew Reid (clarinet)
Thursday 27 June, 19:00
Venue: Endler Hall, Konservatorium
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QEgnDtX55Gxq4tXq
This concert features works for solo piano as well as chamber works with flute and clarinet by South African composers.
Arnold van Wyk, one of the first South African composers to gain widespread recognition as a composer of art music, has greatly influenced younger composers. The programme will include one of Van Wyk’s compositions, as well as works by Peter Klatzow and Neil Solomon, who have expressed admiration for Arnold van Wyk yet established their own personal style of composing.
Cape Town has a rich jazz tradition and pieces by Abdullah Ibrahim and Paul Hanmer will also be included in the programme. As one of South Africa’s jazz icons, Abdullah Ibrahim needs no introduction. His musical language encapsulates a variety of influences, ranging from a characteristic Cape jazz style to Western jazz styles, from African to gospel songs. Paul Hanmer, also held in high regard in jazz circles, has embarked on a fruitful parallel career as a classical composer.
Liesl Stoltz (flute), winner of many national and international awards, regularly includes works by South African composers in her concert programmes in South Africa and abroad. Her double CD Explorations is a compilation of music for flute and other instruments by major South African composers. Matthew Reid (clarinet) has explored many musical genres during his career, ranging from Classical to Klezmer to jazz. Together with Pieter van Zyl, he has also given the premiere of Peter Klatzow’s Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, a work that will be included in this concert. Pieter van Zyl (piano) has balanced his work as a classical pianist with projects involving acting. A few years ago, he released a CD of piano and chamber music by Neil Solomon to mark the 80th birthday of this composer, teacher, and performer.