Summertime (Gershwin): Louise Howlett, Albert Combrink, Charles Lazar (live)

Albert Combrink2013-07-13T18:05:03+02:00

“Summertime”, Louise Howlett (vocals), Albert Combrink (Piano), Charles Lazar (Double Bass) – from the Opera “Porgy & Bess” by George & Ira Gershwin, after the novel by DuBose Heyward.

Recorded Live at Alexander Bar, Cape Town. This recording was catalogued in “The Summertime Connection”, a website dedicated to this extraordinary song.

Read more about Louise Howlett HERE:
http://www.louisehowlett.com

Read more about Albert Combrink HERE:
https://www.albertcombrink.com

Buy their CD “Night Sessions” HERE:
https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/combrinkhowlett

Follow Albert on Twitter:
@albertcombrink

Visit Alexander Bar’s Website:
http://alexanderbar.co.za/shows-upstairs/

Find Alexander Bar on Twitter:
@AlexanderBarCT

Poster Design: Bryn van [read more…]

Summertime (Gershwin): Louise Howlett, Albert Combrink, Charles Lazar (live)Albert Combrink2013-07-13T18:05:03+02:00

Cape Town Opera’s 2013 production of “Otello” – some personal reflections.

Albert Combrink2013-04-14T19:31:54+02:00

OTELLO – THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DOWNRIGHT UGLY – a good-natured rebuttal

Some interesting debates around the recent “Otello” prompt me to break my rule about “reviewing” friends and colleagues and rivals in the same industry. I was struck by how different the perception of a performance can be. Every one has their own opinion and that’s the beauty of it, and I for one, love the dialogues that ensue. So, herewith my humble take on the production.

As a performing musician, I no longer go to a performance to encounter it in some “pristine” condition. I do not believe [read more…]

Cape Town Opera’s 2013 production of “Otello” – some personal reflections.Albert Combrink2013-04-14T19:31:54+02:00

Pretty Yende: Videoclips of South Africa’s young star soprano

Albert Combrink2010-10-23T12:29:07+02:00

Televised video footage of Pretty Yende performing at the Stellenbosch Oude Libertas Theatre, with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Chris Dowdeswell, 19 December 2009.

Pretty Yende: Videoclips of South Africa’s young star sopranoAlbert Combrink2010-10-23T12:29:07+02:00

Isango Portobello’s “Magic Flute” – Critical acclaim

Albert Combrink2010-10-15T05:36:36+02:00

It was sheer pleasure for me to be involved in this production. Working with such magnificent voices is sheer pleasure. Rethinking a masterpiece is a risk, but also an exhilarating creative project. When the audiences and critics approve, and the gamble pays off, it is sheer delight.

Isango Portobello’s “Magic Flute” – Critical acclaimAlbert Combrink2010-10-15T05:36:36+02:00

Magic Flute wins “Globes de Cristal” at Théâtre de Châtelet

Albert Combrink2010-10-14T20:03:20+02:00

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.

Magic Flute wins “Globes de Cristal” at Théâtre de ChâteletAlbert Combrink2010-10-14T20:03:20+02:00

The noise behind the music: Pauline Malefane sings “Summertime” with the Berlin Philharmonic

Albert Combrink2010-10-13T22:11:14+02:00

The public face of the calm and poised diva belies the difficult circumstances in which such a performance is created. Albert Combrink reflects on being Pauline Malefane's vocal coach during the run-up to her debut as both Mozart's Queen of the Night in the UK, and Gershwin's Bess with the Berliner Philharmoniker under Sir Simon Rattle.

The noise behind the music: Pauline Malefane sings “Summertime” with the Berlin PhilharmonicAlbert Combrink2010-10-13T22:11:14+02:00

Pretty Yende Gala Concert: Photos

Albert Combrink2010-09-03T06:18:29+02:00

Photos from the "Pretty Yende & Friends Opera Gala Concert" and Tenth Anniversay Gala 2010 hosted by Diemersfontein Wines. Pretty Yende, Albert Combrink, Luthando Qave, Given Nkosi, and July Zuma, Elizabeth Frandsen.

Pretty Yende Gala Concert: PhotosAlbert Combrink2010-09-03T06:18:29+02:00

Pretty Yende & Friends Gala Concert: Cape Town City Hall – Photos

Albert Combrink2010-09-02T20:58:21+02:00

The Pretty Yende & Friends Opera Gala Concert presented by Diemersfontein Wines to raise funds for the Excelence in Africa Trust, held in a sold-out Cape Town City Hall on 11 August 2010 was an enormous success. A large sum of money was raised to boost the scholarship fund for young South African artists on the verge of international careers.

Pretty Yende & Friends Gala Concert: Cape Town City Hall – PhotosAlbert Combrink2010-09-02T20:58:21+02:00

Luthando Qave – Young South African Baritone heads for New York

Albert Combrink2010-08-05T17:24:39+02:00

"Sing with your soul and all you have. That is the only way I know." Luthando Qave is an example of the new wave of South African singers attracting publicity on foreign shores. After being given a few solos in East London school choir, he spent time at Cape Town Opera as a chorister, before moving to Sweden for two years of study with the sole purpose of becoming an opera singer. He recently won a place for himself in New York's Metropolitan Opera Studio. He is in South Africa briefly to sing in the "Pretty Yende & Friends - a Fundraising Opera Gala Concert" in Cape Town's City Hall on Wednesday 11 August.

Luthando Qave – Young South African Baritone heads for New YorkAlbert Combrink2010-08-05T17:24:39+02:00

Pretty Yende wins Finland’s Savonnlina International Singing Competition

Albert Combrink2010-07-26T15:19:35+02:00

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.

Pretty Yende wins Finland’s Savonnlina International Singing CompetitionAlbert Combrink2010-07-26T15:19:35+02:00