Here follows a translation (from the Afrikaans) of the review of the CD "Night Sessions" by Louise Howlett and Albert Combrink. The review is by Mariana Malan, published in "Die Burger" and "Die Beeld", 26 November 2010.
Public response to the Launch Shows of "Night Sessions", the new night-themed CD by Louise Howlett and Albert Combrink, has been overwhelmingly positive. Here are some of the comments and compliments we have received in writing. Thank you everybody for your feedback and appreciationg.
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.
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.
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 [read more…]
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
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.
Albert Combrink was the vocal coach and repetiteur for a very unusual version of Mozart's Magic Flute at various theatres across the world, including the Duke of York's Theatre in 2007, winning the Laurence Olivier Award (2008) for Best Musical Revival and the Theatre Goers’ Choice Award.
