From the Japan Times to the Cape Times and many in between, Isango Portobello’s “Magic Flute” has drawn critical and popular acclaim. Winning the Globes de Cristal at the Théâtre de Châtelet in France is only the latest in a series of awards.
Whawha Mosiea takes the role of Prince Tamino
Isango Portobello Theatre Company were recently presented with the prestigious Globes de Cristal Award for Opera for The Magic Flute – Impempe Yomlingo, recognising their sell-out season at the historic Théâtre de Châtelet in France. The Globes de Cristal awards are France’s main arts and culture awards. ‘To win this prestigious award is a great honour,’ said Pauline Malefane, co-founder and musical director of Isango Portobello.
Malefane has also been nominated for a Fleur du Cap Award for Best Performance in a Musical for her role as Deus / Jesus in The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso. Mannie Manim, who joined The Fugard Theatre team at the beginning of 2010, has two nominations in the category of Best Lighting Design.
The production team for Magic Flute:
Director: Mark Dornford-May
Lighting: Mannie Manim
Choreographer: Lungelo Ngamlana
Costume: Leigh Bishop, Annamarie Seegers
Music Director: Mandisi Dyantis
Repetiteur, music- and vocal coach: Albert Combrink
For more information, go to http://www.magicflutethemusical.com/
CV’s of the two performers on the CD “Night Sessions”: Louise Howlett (Vocals) & Albert Combrink (Piano).
Louise Howlett
Louise Howlett, originally from England, studied at the Royal College of Music in London, with Margaret Cable where she featured in a number of competitions and masterclasses. As a member of the National Youth Music Theatre, Louise toured to the Bergen Festival and Edinburgh Main and Fringe Festivals, aswell as performing in the award winning production of The Ragged Child at the Sadlers Wells Theatre, London. She performed in television productions of both The Ragged Child and the opera of The Tailor of Gloucester.
Louise came to South Africa in 1993 to work as Organiser for the National Chamber Orchestra in the North West Province, and soon decided to make South Africa her home. She sang on many occasions with the NCO including a number of corporate functions in Sun City and Johannesburg. She also performed in a number of Oratoria including Nelson Mass, The Messiah and Vivaldi’s Gloria, and was involved in choral training workshops and master classes. In March 1999 she moved to Cape Town where she is now based. Her Cape Town debut took place with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at their Kirstenbosch Millennium Concert; but her love of jazz and the musicals led her to create her own unique combination of classical, broadway and jazz “Across the Styles” projects out of which her “Serenade” series was born. These productions can vary from classical versions, to jazz standard evenings to the full range of genres blended into one programme.
Louise is a regular presenter on Fine Music Radio. Her programme “For the Love of Opera” features all the latest news and reviews of opera around the world today.
Albert Combrink
Albert, currently a freelance pianist, completed his MMUS in Piano Performance from Natal University under Isabella Stengel, as well as three UNISA Licentiates: Piano Performance, Piano Accompaniment and Teaching (Cum Laude). He made his concerto debut with the NPO at 18. Since then he has performed regularly at major centres throughout the country, as soloist and accompanist, in both classical and popular music fields. He was finalist in the ATKV Music Competition and winner of the Young Natal Chamber Competition and UND Performer’s and Composer’s competitions after which he was commissioned to write to the first Afrikaans Catholic Mass. He has extensive recording experience, including Hindemith’s Piano Concerto “Four Temperaments” with the NPO and David Tidboald, through radio and television broadcasts (including BBC World) to the recent CPO recordings of works by Hofmeyr and Schnittke.
He was repetiteur for the UCT Opera School as well as Cape Town Opera, performing also as orchestral pianist and harpsichordist in operatic productions. His operatic experience with CPO included “Showboat” and “Porgy and Bess” which toured Sweden and Germany. He has acted and recorded for the eTv show “Backstage” and “Stokvel” and been involved in various film projects. As member of the Cape Town Tango Ensemble he has performed at all the major festivals in the country, with performers such as Mark Hoeben and Ina Wichterich. His Tango CD featured in the film “Tango Club”.
He has worked with directors such as Janice Honeyman, Jaco Bouwer and Marthinus Basson. He is vocal coach for Portabello, whose production of Mozart’s “Magic Flute” won a London Critics’ “Olivier Award” in 2008, and has toured Ireland, Japan and Singapore. He has also been Music Director and Assistant MD for various productions including the New Space Theatre’s production of Sondheim’s “Assassins” which won two Fleur du Cap Awards. He is co-author of 3 Arts & Culture Textbooks which have sold over 100 000 copies.
Welbekende Kapstadse kunstenaars , sangeres Louise Howlett en pianis Albert Combrink stel hul nuwe nagtema-CD “Night Sessions” bekend, op 7 Oktober by die Alliance Française, 55 Loop Straat, in Kaapstad, en by Die Boer Restaurant Teater, 6 Chenowith Straat in Durbanville, op 12 Oktober.
For an English Translation of this Press Release, click HERE.
“Night Sessions” CD Bekendstelling
Welbekende Kapstadse kunstenaars , sangeres Louise Howlett en pianis Albert Combrink stel hul nuwe CD Night Sessions bekend, op 7 Oktober by die Alliance Française, 55 Loop Straat, in Kaapstad, en by Die Boer Restaurant Teater, 6 Chenowith Straatin Durbanville, op 12 Oktober.
Night Sessions (Nag Sessies) is ‘n welgevulde 15-snit CD van tydlose juwele, opgeneem en geredigeer deur Duncan Mackay van Down South Recording.
Night Sessions neem luisteraars op ‘n reis geinspireer liedere van liefde, hartseer en hoop. Beide Albert Combrink en Louise Howlett is bekend vir hul optredes in verskillende musiekgenres. Vir hierdie laserskyf fokus hulle op ballades en klassieke jazz nommers, wat hulle herwerk he tom ‘n nuwe gamaksluister ervaring te skep. Dis ‘n Engelse album – met ‘n tikkie Frans! Die punt is om die storie van elke lied te vertel met eerlikheid en skoonheid.
Die album is die produk van Albert Combrink en Louise Howlett se 4-jaar lange konsert vennootskap.Hulle het alreeds by sulke uiteenlopende geleenthede opgetree as die Kirstenbosch Klassieke Kamermusiek Reeks en die Big Blues Festival. Hulle het reeds uitverkoopte optredes gehou by die Baxter Teater en die Greyton Roses Fees. In 2011 gaan hulle deel maak van die Endler Konsert Reeks plus ‘n welkom terugkeer na die Baxter Teater.
Albert Combrink is ‘n bekende begeleier en repetiteur en is ook lid van die CT Tango Ensemble. Buiten opnames van klassieke musiek het hy reeds 2 Tango CD’s verygestel: El Tango en Africa en Tango Club.
Louise Howlett het by die Kirstenbosch Millennium Konsert saam met the Kaapstadse Filharmoniese Orkes opgetree en het haar eerste CD Your Song in 2005 opgeneem. Sy is ook ‘n gereelde radiopersoonlikheid en bied haar program For the love of Opera aan op FMR. Sy is ook die algemene bestuurder van die Cape Town Concert Series.
Night Sessions sal te koop wees by die bekendstellings konserte teen die spesiale openings-prys van R100. Vir beide locale open die kroeg en restaurant vanaf 7 uur, en die optredes begin om 8.30 nm. Vir tafel besprekings en verdere informasie kontak: 021 423 5699 vir die Kaapstad Bekendstelling by die Alliance Française; en 021 979 1911 virDie Boerin Durbanville.
Geskenk pakkies vir VIP en Pers verteenwoordigers vrygewig geborg deur Eugene Vorster van Yum Factor Marketing & Distribution wat ongelooflike koffie produkte in Robertson vervaardig.
Louise Howlett (Vocals) and Albert Combrink (Piano) have released demo-tracks from their latest CD “Night Sessions”. The easy-listening album takes listeners on a journey inspired by songs of love, loss and hope. The sound of the CD is intimate, giving the performers the chance to crystalise the meaning of the lyrics and communicate the meaning of each song as directly and beautifully as possible.
Pretty Yende – South Africa’s singing sensation – has grabbed international Arts headlines again. She won joint first prize with American tenor Michelle Angelini at the Savonnlina International Singing Competition in Finland On Sunday 25 July 2010. She will be performing in the Cape Town City Hall on August 11 2010.
Prizewinning Soprano Pretty Yende
Pretty Yende – South Africa’s singing sensation – has grabbed international Arts headlines again. She won joint first prize with American tenor Michelle Angelini at the Savonnlina International Singing Competition. The Savonnlina Opera Festival in Finland holds an International Singing Competition in conjunction with its annual Opera Festival, attracting visitors from across the globe.
The panel reads like a Who’s Who of the international opera world. The judges were:
JARI HÄMÄLÄINEN - Artistic Director, Savonlinna Opera Festival
ELAINE PADMORE - Director of the Royal Opera
VINCENZO DE VIVO - Teatro Carlo Felice, Genova
JONATHAN FRIEND - Artistic Administrator, Metropolitan Opera
BRUNO MICHEL - Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris
ANDRÉS RODRÍGUEZ - General Director and Artistic Director, Teatro Municipal de Santiago.
The judges decided to combine the cash awards of the first two prizes, and to award them equally to the two singers.
Pretty Yende and superstar Andrea Boccelli performing at the South African FIFA 2010 World Cup Closing Ceremony
South African audiences will be able to hear Pretty “on form”, as it were, as she will be performing in Cape Town on 11 August 2010 in “Pretty Yende and Friends – a Fundraising Opera Gala” in which she is generously helping to support the “Excellence out of Africa” bursary trust which supports help artists on the cusp of international careers. I her Cape Town concert she will be performing some of the works she sang in the competition, treating South African audiences to a “Musical World Cup” Quality performance.
You can read more about “Pretty Yende and Friends – a Fundraiser Gala” HERE.
“Pretty Yende and Friends” – a Fundraiser Opera Gala
Venue: Cape Town City Hall
Date: Wednesday 11 August 2010
Time: 19h00
Ticket Prices: R80 – R250
Exclusive Corporate Packages: avaliable on request through marketing@thokozani.co.za
Pretty as we have grown to love her: smiling and happy after having given her best on stage, winning the Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition in Vienna
Hear South Africa’s top operatic talent in a concert to raise funds for the next generation’s stars. Pretty Yende – on a brief return from La Scala Milan, and Luthando Qave – en route from Sweden to take up a position at New York’s Metropolitan Opera- are joined by Elizabeth Frandsen and Given Nkosi, Cellist Sarah Acres, and Pianist Albert Combrink, in a Gala Concert to raise funds for the Diemersfontein “Excellence out of Africa” Bursary Trust. Pretty Yende recently performed with superstars Andrea Bocelli and Bryan Adams in the FIFA 2010 World Cup Closing Concert and Luthando Qave was a finalist in the Belvedere International Singing competition. Given Nkosi and Elisabeth Frandsen have been seen in many lead roles in Cape Town and abroad. Cellist Sarah Acres adds an unusual touch to a vocal evening. The concert is devised and presented by Albert Combrink. The evening promises world-class singing with artists who have already made their mark internationally.
Cast: Pretty Yende (Soprano)
Elizabeth Frandsen (Mezzo-Soprano)
Given Nkosi (Tenor)
Luthando Qave ( Baritone)
July Zuma (Tenor)
Sarah Acres (Cello)
Albert Combrink (Piano)
Proceeds of the evening will go to the “Excellence out of Africa Trust” to raise funds for gifted South African musicians and artists – assisting them to show South Africa’s talent to the world.
Bookings: now open at www.computicket.com
On the programme will be an extract from Bellini’s Opera La Sonnambula. Here is a video of Pretty Yende- accompanied by the Cape Philharmonic orhestra conducted by Chris Dowdeswell – singing the aria Care Compagne from Bellini’s masterpiece.
Hear South Africa’s top operatic talent in a concert to raise funds for the next generation’s stars. Pretty Yende – on a brief return from La Scala Milan, and Luthando Qave – en route to New York’s Metropolitan Opera – are joined by Elizabeth Frandsen and Given Nkosi, Cellist Sarah Acres, and Pianist Albert Combrink, in a Gala Concert to raise funds for the Diemersfontein “Excellence out of Africa” Bursary Trust. Pretty Yende recently performed with superstars Andrea Bocelli and Bryan Adams in the FIFA 2010 World Cup Closing Concert.
Pretty Yende was winner of the 2011 Operalia Singing Competition where she competed in Moscow. The orchestra was conducted by Placido Domingo.
“Pretty Yende and Friends” – a Fundraiser Opera Gala
Venue: Cape Town City Hall
Date: Wednesday 11 August 2010
Time: 19h00
Ticket Prices: R80 – R250
Exclusive Corporate Packages: avaliable on request through marketing@thokozani.co.za
Here is a video of the star performer of the evening, Pretty Yende – accompanied by the Cape Philharmonic orhestra conducted by Chris Dowdeswell – singing Juliet’s delightful waltz song from Gounod’s opera
Roméo et Juliette:
Hear South Africa’s top operatic talent in a concert to raise funds for the next generation’s stars. Pretty Yende – on a brief return from La Scala Milan, and Luthando Qave – en route from Sweden to take up a position at New York’s Metropolitan Opera- are joined by Elizabeth Frandsen and Given Nkosi, Cellist Sarah Acres, and Pianist Albert Combrink, in a Gala Concert to raise funds for the Diemersfontein “Excellence out of Africa” Bursary Trust. Pretty Yende recently performed with superstars Andrea Bocelli and Bryan Adams in the FIFA 2010 World Cup Closing Concert and Luthando Qave was a finalist in the Belvedere International Singing competition. Given Nkosi and Elisabeth Frandsen have been seen in many lead roles in Cape Town and abroad. Cellist Sarah Acres adds an unusual touch to a vocal evening. The concert is devised and presented by Albert Combrink. The evening promises world-class singing with artists who have already made their mark internationally.
Cast: Pretty Yende (Soprano)
Elizabeth Frandsen (Mezzo-Soprano)
Given Nkosi (Tenor)
Luthando Qave ( Baritone)
July Zuma (Tenor)
Sarah Acres (Cello)
Albert Combrink (Piano)
Proceeds of the evening will go to the “Excellence out of Africa Trust” to raise funds for gifted South African musicians and artists – assisting them to show South Africa’s talent to the world.
Bookings: now open at www.computicket.com
The Programme
Arias and duets are presented from from Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, Mozarts’ Cosi Fan Tutte, Rossini’s Barber of Seville and many more. The programme is designed to appeal to a broad audience. Familiar operatic favourites share the stage with rarities that will delight opera-buffs.
About the “Excellence out of Africa” Charitable Trust:
The concert is presented by Diemersfontein Wines in Wellington as part of their tenth birthday celebration. Diemersfontein is committed to supporting arts and education in South Africa. The Charitable Trust Excellence Out of Africa, will raise funds for the two projects Diemersfontein runs on the estate. Firstly the Artist’s Sponsorship Programme (Pretty Yende and several others have had benefit concerts at Diemersfontein in the last few years) and Wellington Preparatory School, a private school for children of diverse background. David Sonnenberg, owner of Diemersfontein Wines comments, “These two projects are very close to our hearts – and we are thrilled that Pretty is now “putting something back” into opportunities for other exceptional South African talents to enable them to develop their careers. “There is a growing community of talented young South Africans who are on the cusp of making great strides internationally; or who are already doing so,” David said. “We’ve been lucky enough to host some of them at Diemersfontein by holding benefit concerts to raise funds towards their study or travel.”
About the performers: (Pretty Yende: Bio & CV)
Pretty Yende (Soprano)
La Scala Opera Soprano Pretty Yende
Pretty Yende’s list of accomplishments is rapidly increasing. She recently shared first prize in Finland in the Savonnlina International Singing Competition in front of a distinguished panel of judges which included artistic management from Covent Garden and the Metropolitan.
Yende made international news in 2009 when she won all the major prizes at the Hans Gabor International Singing Competition in the Vienna, Austria, the “city of music”. She went straight on from there to win first prize in the Montserrat Caballé International Singing Competition in Zaragoza, Spain. She is currently in the Opera Studio of La Scala in Milan, an opera house with a dazzling history. Here her mentor is the great soprano Mirella Freni. She won her first Solo Voice competition at the 2002 Tirisano School Choral Eisteddfod and has not looked back. From her hometown, Piet Retief in Mpumulanga, she moved to Cape Town where she completed, with distinction, a Performer’s Diploma in Opera at UCT, and continued her post graduate studies under the guidance of Virginia Davids. Master Classes she has attended include: Raina Kabaivanska in Bulgaria in Italy with Montserrat Caballé.
Involved during this time in all student productions, she was on the Dean’s list every year. Her achievements include winning the National Championship for Solo Voice in the Post Office Choral Eisteddfod (2004), the Schock Prize for Singing (2003 & 2004), taking part in the Choir Olympics in Bremen (2007) and winning her first International Competition in Italy (2007) where her reward was the role of La Musica in Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo (reviewed in the NewYork Times). She sang at the opening ceremony of the UN Assembly (WHO) in Geneva. In August 2008 she won two prizes in the 47th ‘s-Hertogenbosch International Competition in Holland.
Pretty Yende won all the major prizes at the Belvedere International Singing Competition
Her opera-experience is already broad including: Helena in Britten’s Midsummer night’sDream(2005), the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, Fiordiligi in Cosi fan Tutte, Magda in La Rondine , Manon in Manon and Poppea in L’incoronazione di Poppea .
Internationally, in 2008, she appeared as Clara in Porgy and Bess in Malmo, Sweden and at the Deutche Oper in Berlin. Pretty was been selected as one of the Top 100 Most Successful Women in South Africa in 2008.
Hear a small televised extract of her singing an aria from Massenet’s opera ManonHERE
Given Nkosi (Tenor)
Tenor Given Nkosi
Given hails from Witbank. He holds a Performers Diploma in Opera (UCT) and is currently being directed in a Post Graduate Performer’s Diploma in Opera by Angelo Gobbato and Virginia Davids, His competitions and prizes include winning the National Championship of Tirisano School Choir Competition (2001 and 2002), participating in the Artscape Youth Music Festival with the CPO (2004) and the Tirisano Youth Choir at the Choir Olympics in Bremen (2003 and 2004). In 2005 he won the best male singer award at the National Championship of SAPO Competition and the Schock Foundation Prize. He was a semi-finalist in his first International Compeition as a soloist in Italy in November 2007. In September 2007, he was invited to take part in a Masterclass given by Raina Kabaivanska in Bulgaria.
He has taken part in productions of Nabucco, Bravo Angelo, Le Damnation de Faust, Amahl andthe Night Visitors, Cosi fan Tutte(Ferrando) La Rondine (Ruggero) and Manon (Des Grieux) at the Artscape Opera House, Baxter and Little Theatres. He is a frequent and much acclaimed guest at a variety of Gala Concerts. His Oratorio repertoire has been built up in New Apostolic Church performances of the Messiah, Solemn Vespers (Mozart), and Elijah (Mendelssohn). He was voted one of the 100 Successful Men in SA in 2007. He is currently a member of the Cape Town Opera Studio.
Hear Given singing an unusal arrangement of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” HERE.
Elizabeth Frandsen (Mezzo-Soprano)
Mezzo-Soprano Elizabeth Frandsen
Elizabeth is well-known for her work in a variety of fields: Opera, Oratorio, Lieder and Cabaret. She was a member of the International Studio of the Zürich Opera, during which she performed with conductors such as Franz Welser-Möst in operatic roles as wide-ranging as Rossini and Pfitzner. She received Master Classes from Elisabeth Schwartzkopf as well as the teacher (and mother) of Cecilia Bartoli. Most recent performances included the Richard Wagner Society’s Production of Rossini’s La Scala di Seta, the lead role of Sister Helen Préjean in the Cape Town Opera premiêre of Jake Heggie’s Opera Dead Man Walking and in January 2010 Hartmann’s Song of the Four Winds with conductor Thomas Sanderling with the JFO.
She sang the role of Annina in Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier for Cape Town Opera under Maestro Sebastian Lang-Lessing and she was then engaged as Chorus Master for the Cape Town Opera production of Lucia di Lammermoor in Oct 2010.
You can Elizabeth’s website - www.elizabethfrandsen.com – and listen to various recordings of her dramatic Mezzo-Soprano voice.
Luthando Qave (Baritone)
Metropolitan Opera Baritone Luthando Qave
Luthando has been studying at the University College of Opera in Stockholm, Sweden, since 2008. During this time he performed a variety of roles including the lead in Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” and Belcore in Donizetti’s “L’elisir d’amore”. As member of the Cape Town Opera Chorus form 2005 to 2008 he performed in many productions, including taking the role of Jake in Porgy and Bess, which toured the UK, Germany and Sweden. In 2009 Luthando was a finalist in the prestigious Neue Stimmen International Singing Competition in Gütersloh, Germany. In 2010 he was finalist of the Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition 2010, winning the special prize of the Washington National Opera and the Houston Grand Opera.
He has had Master Class with Lauren Flanigan, Johan Botha, Sussana Eken & Helmut Deutsche. Luthando is on his way to New York City to take up his place at the Metropolitan Opera House, as part of the Met’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.
You can listen to the following recordings by Luthando Qave:
Born in London, Sarah studied the cello with Michael Evans at the Royal College of Music. She won several RCM awards including the Ivor James prize for her performance of the first Shostakovich Cello Concerto, and the Helen Just Recital prize, before graduating with a GRSM(Hons) degree and ARCM teaching diploma in 1983.
She free-lanced with many British orchestras before gaining a permanent post with the RTE Symphony Orchestra in Ireland. In 1985 she came to South Africa to join the Natal Philharmonic orchestra, where she became the co-principal cellist. During this time she made several appearances a soloist with the NPO, made many recordings for the SABC and was a regular performer of chamber music. She has also been member of the RTE Symphony Orchestra in Ireland and the Cape Town Symphony -and Philharmonic Orchestras. She coaches for both the annual Franschhoek Chamber Music Week, and for the South African Amateur Chamber Music Players. She has given Masterclasses in Grahamstown to both school and university pupils.
Sarah is a busy free-lance player and is also actively involved in performing chamber music around the country, including regular appearances in the Concerts 4×2 series of Baroque Music with Professor Shirley Gie.
Albert Combrink (Piano)
Accompanist and presenter Albert Combrink
Albert Combrink performs as pianist and accompanist in classical and contemporary music. He recently returned from touring South-East Asia (Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia) where he performed solo concerts and held masterclasses during the Arts Festivals of Singapore and Bali. Albert completed his MMUS at Natal University and also holds three UNISA Licentiates in Solo Performance, Piano Accompaniment and Piano Teaching (Cum Laude). He made his concerto debut with the Natal Philharmonic at the age of 18.
He was finalist in the National ATKV Music Competition. Other prizes include theUND Performer’s Prize, UND Composer’s Competition, the Young Natal Chamber Music Competition,and the Durban Youth Concerto Festival. He received Master Classes from amongst others, Graham Johnson, Anton Nel, Martini Tirimo, Prof Bernd Goetzke. His recordings include Hindemith’s Piano Concerto Four Temperaments with the Natal Philharmonic Orchestra under David Tidboald, through radio and television broadcasts (including BBC World), works by Hofmeyr and Schnittke with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and was reviewed in the international Gramophone Magazine.
He was repetiteurfor the UCT Opera School as well as Cape Town Opera. He was vocal coach for the Portabello company’s Magic Flute which sold out in London’s West End and won the prestigious London Critic’s Olivier Theatre Award. With this company he had the chance to work with BBC’s “The Face of Classical Music”, Charles Hazelwood, and Sir Simon Rattle.
As member of the Cape Town Tango Ensemble he has performed at all the major festivals in the country, with performers and directors such as Mark Hoeben, Ina Wichterich and Marthinus Basson. His work with the CT Tango Ensemble includes two CD’s, El Tango En Africa and Tango Club and has been used on television and in film.
He also co-wrote 3Arts & Culture Textbooksand Teachers’ Guides for Maskew Miller Longman publications, which have sold more than 100 000 copies.
As concert organiser and accompanist he has worked with a number of South African and international singers, including Prof. Virginia Davids, Hans van Heerden and Virgina Oosthuizen, to name only a few. Highlights with international artists include a concert tour with American soprano Judith Kellock of American and South African Contemporary Art Song. He was also repetiteur for British superstar Lesley Garret on her tour to South Africa.
July Zuma (Tenor)
Tenor July Zuma on a short break from his singing studies in Spain
July Zuma will be a guest in one of the ensemble numbers. He was born and raised in Durban in the township of Kwa-Mashu. He´s currently studying at the Liceu Conservatory in Barcelona (Spain) on a Post Graduate Program in Vocal Studies and Repertoire under Eduardo Gimenéz and Maria Soler. UCT Opera School 2005 graduate. July had several voice teachers during his college years including Anthea Haupt, Juan Burgers, Sally Presant and Marisa Marchio. A formative influence and mentor was the Director of the Opera School, Professor Angelo Gobbato. He took private lessons after graduating from UCT with Colin Leo that led him being accepted to enrol at Liceu Conservatory.
July has studied the following roles: Fenton(Verdi’s Falstaff , Nemorino (Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amor), Des Grieux (Massenet’s Manon), Gastone (Verdi’s La Traviata, Arturo (Donizetti’s Lucia Di Lammermoor), First Priest (Mozart’s Die Zaüberflöte), Snout (Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream) and understudied Rinuccio in Puccini´s Gianni Schicchi.
July has performed in numerous UCT and Cape Town Opera productions as a Chorus Member such as Barber of Seville, Figaro, Pearl Fishers, Nabucco, Damnation of Faust, Traviata, Bartered BrideTrovatore, Zauberflöte, Fidelio, Carmen, La Gioconda, Porgy & Bess, Lucia Di Lammermoor, Show Boat (Sweden)2008
~ Diemersfontein helped set up Thokozani wines in 2007 – a black economic empowerment project launched to help the development of people who have not had access to quality education, training, experience, networks and capital. Diemersfontein owns 40% of the company and is committed to nurturing its staff (who own 30% of Thokozani) and providing the facilities to make high quality wines, as well as owning real estate which forms part of their conference business. For more information please visit: www.thokozani.co.za
~ Diemersfontein is situated in Wellington, 60 km from Cape Town
~ David and Sue Sonnenberg are third-generation owners of the Diemersfontein Estate. The Estate now features a guesthouse, conference centre, weddings, horse riding, Seasons Restaurant and property for sale in the vineyards
~ 50 hectares of vines have been planted in the last ten years. Grapes include Rhone, Bordeaux varietals, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc and Viognier
~ Diemersfontein Pinotage –the original coffee/chocolate Pinotage – has been awarded „Best Red Wine‟ by public vote at the prestigious consumer shows Winex in Cape Town and Johannesburg in both 2008 and 2009
Here is a video extract of Pretty Yende – accompanied by the Cape Philharmonic orhestra conducted by Chris Dowdeswell – singing the famous Song to the Moonfrom Antonin Dvorak’s opera Rusalka:
Here is a small selection of some of the reviews I have received in the Press for my performances as a classical pianist. Albert Combrink, onstage throughout, underscored the value of a good accompanist with playing that was consistently stylish and supportive. – Deon Irish, Cape Times Arts, 17 Aug. 2010 An interesting programme, ranging [...]
Here is a small selection of some of the reviews I have received in the Press for my performances as a classical pianist.
Albert Combrink, onstage throughout, underscored the value of a good accompanist with playing that was consistently stylish and supportive. – Deon Irish, Cape Times Arts, 17 Aug. 2010
An interesting programme, ranging form the atmospheric to the bravura, very well suited to revealing the many sides of Combrink’s poised and purposeful pianism. - Anne Pretorius, Daily News
His playing can only be described in that most journalistic of cliches, stunning. Masterly technique and a formidable intellect combined to give a performance both professional and mature. - Philip Vietri, Daily News
Combrink has a very big technique and the way he built up to the climax in Waldesrauschen was admirable. And it was played with masterly control. - Arts Editor, Natal Herald
Among the exponents of the keyboard, outstanding musician of the evening was pianist Albert Combrink. Sound technique and expressive depth combined in playing of atmospheric intensity. - Beverley Brommert, Cape Times
Combrink lewer ‘n besonder kleurryke, atmosfeerbelaaide bydrae as begeleier to Bloch se Baal Shem Suite (Combrink makes a particularly colourful and atmospheric contribution as accompanist to Bloch’s Baal Shem Suite) - Berna Ackerman, Die Volksblad
Combrink speel met volle oorgawe. Sy klankkleur, toonbalansering en pragtige frase-vorming in die Skriabin Sonate was manjifiek. (Combrink plays with total abandon. His tone-colour, tone-balance and beautiful phrasing in the Scriabin Sonata was magnificent) - Dr. P Krige, Die Volksblad
His performance of Klatzow’s Moment’s of Night, commanded attention. The suite was, in short, exquisitely performed. At all times, careful consideration of tone, colour and dynamics was evident. - Lindy van der Meulen, Daily News
Combrink gave a powerful and thoughtful interpretation of Hindemith’s Sonata. He brought the work to life through meticulous attention to melodic and rhythmic ideas. - Lindy van der Meulen, Daily News.
A powerfully impassioned pianist. - David Lloyd. Durban Herald
Combrink, in Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto, displays a fearless technique. Courage like this does offer great excitement. - David Lloyd, Durban Herald
Combrink opened with Arnold van Wyk’s Nagmusiek, a technically and emotionally demanding work of enormous substance. The definitive performance? If not, very close to. - Anne Pretorious, Daily News
Ranging from poignant to Bravura, Combrink brought off Scriabin’s Preludes with the panache one has come to expect from this exceptional performer. - Ann Pretorius, Daily News
Poised and purposeful pianism gave Combrink Full Honours in the Performer’s Competition. - Ann Pretorius, Daily News
Superb playing from Combrink. Surely on this showing one of our unjustly neglected composers, Arnold van Wyk’s distinctive style was captured to perfection. -George Nesbit – Sunday Herald
Combrink had the strength and temperament for Liszt’s grand gestures and the finesse for its lyrical demands. - George Nesbit, Sunday Herald
His interpretation of Messiaen is profound. - George Nesbit, Sunday Herald
The warm and wistful lines of the Brahms Intermezzo were well caught, and the Prokofiev Toccata proved the perfect vehicle for a tempestuous display. -David Smith, Daily News
CTTango Ensemble’s first CD El Tango en Africa attracted great interest for its exploration of African rhythms. It was awarded 4 out of 5 stars by the International Accordion Society, and was named Album of the Week by the SA Rock Digest. It is on sale at www.cdbaby.com
Tania Lukic-Marx, international Accordionist and CD reviewer for music magazines and the leading website in the flied, Accordions Worldwide, awarded the CD 4 stars out of 5 on an international rating.
Album of the Week ~ SA Rock Digest, Issue # 211, 28 July 2003
Das Cape Town Tango Ensemble ist wirklich sehr gut was seine Musik anbelangt ~ Editor: Accordion.com
… die eerste regte, egte Suid-Afrikaanse tango-album ~ Mariana Malan: Die Burger, 8 September 2003, p.6
Die album is uniek in die opsig dat Afrika-klanke deeglik met die tradisionele tango-ritme inskakel.
(Transl:The albumis unique in the African sounds blend in thoroughly with the traditional tango rhythm.)~Mariana Malan: Die Burger, 8 September 2003, p.6
Daar word ‘n ongekende warmte en diepte uit sy [Ricardo Fiorio] note gehaal (Tranls: A hitherto unkown warmth and depth is brought forth out of the notes of Ricarodo Fiorio.) ~Mariana Malan: Die Burger, 8 September 2003, p.6
Hierdie album is vir luisteraars en dansers.
(Transl: This album is for listeners and dancers) ~ ~Mariana Malan: Die Burger, 8 September 2003, p.6
El Tango en Africa features the following artists
Albert Combrink – Piano
Stanislav Angelov – Accordeon
Jacek Domagala – Violin
Basil Heald – Double Bass
and guest artists:
Violina Anguelov – Mezzo Soprano
Dizu Plaatjies – African Percussion (including Djemba and Kayomba)
El Tango en Africa can be bought as an album, or as MP3 tracks, at Rhythm Music or at CDBaby
We’ve received some enthusiastic press coverage for the “Tango Club” CD. This exciting new offering has a real South African twist that sets their work apart from others and explores the boundary of jazz and other modern Latin genres.
~ Mark Hoeben, Thingstodocapetown – 19 March 2010.
Released by Good Music World (www.goodmusic.co.za)
Passionate fun ~ Zane Henry, Argus (Tonight) -23 March 2010, p.3
The rich sounds and fine musicianship are a pleasure to listen to even if you have never done the tango ~ Dominic Wardall, The Big Issue - 9 April 2020, p.37
Fans can expect to hear and see something quite extraordinary~ Jason Curtis, Cape Times (Arts)- 23 March 2010, p.1 0
The album artwork is equally compelling. ~ Jason Curtis, Cape Times (Arts) – 23 March 2010, p.10
… nie net ‘n fees vir die oor nie, maar ook vir die oog. ~Arts Editor, Rapport (My Tyd), 21 March 2010, p.4
The Baxter gets steamy… ~ Zane Henry, Argus (Tonight) – 23 March 2010, p.3
This is definitely not just another Tango CD – it is the second original South African Tango CD. ~ Editor, Thingstodocapetown- 19 March 2010
If you liked the movie The Scent of a Woman and you enjoy the music of Astor Piazzolla then you have to listen to Tango Club by the CT Tango Ensemble. ~ Don Albert, Artslink – April 26 April 2012
This exciting new offering has a real South African twist that sets their work apart from others and explores the boundary of jazz and other modern Latin genres. ~ Mark Hoeben, Thingstodocapetown – 19 March 2010
This is a compliation of weblinks to the various press releases and related articles about the 2010 launch of Tango Club, the latest CD by the CT Tango Ensemble. It is released on the new Record Label Good Music World and on sale at CDBaby.com and at “Look & Listen” stores nationwide.
"Tango Romance" - Chris Shields
This is a compliation of weblinks to the various press releases and related articles about the 2010 launch of Tango Club, the latest CD by the CT Tango Ensemble. It is released on the new Record LabelGood Music World.
This page will be updated as new postings appear.
The CD is on sale as Album and MP3 Downloads at CDBaby
Cape Town Tango Ensemble MP3 and Video clips – a selection of websites that sell MP3′s or carry demos and visual material from shows and concerts we have done in the past, including our two CD releases.
Milonga del Angel: Cape Town Tango Ensemble dancing with Angels – a discussion of this work, central to the work of both Piazzolla and the CT Tango Ensemble. It contains discussion about the individual contribution of our guest artists on the album, such as James Grace.
La Muerte del Angel – CT Tango Ensemble - a discussion of Fugal writing, and Angel Symbolism in Piazzola’s works. It also discusses how my arrangement of this work explores the affinity between Piazzolla and other 20th Century classical composers such as Igor Stravinsky.
CT Tango Ensemble blends the old and the new in Julian Plaza’s famous milonga – a discussion around the roots of the Tango in Argentina during the early 20th Century. It also explores cultural traditions around the social conventions of the dancefloor, and uses our recording of Plaza’s Payadora as an illustration of the challenge and complexity of blending tradition with innovation.
Not all Black and White: Stanislav Angelov compares the Bandoneon to the Accordion – Stanislav Angelov – to use the alternate spelling of his name – performs and records professionally on both the Bandoneon and Accordion. This post explores the qualities each of these instruments brings to the Tango, and to the CT Tango Ensemble. Stanislav is uniquely qualified to chair this discussion, as he is one of the very few – if not the only one – to have recorded both instruments on one Tango CD
CT Tango Ensemble CD Launch Photos – a post with photos from the highly successful Launch Concert at the sold-out Baxter Concert Hall. The post contains links to two more posts of pictures.
