Why you should come to “Fiddler’s Tales”:

– a Stunning Venue: central Library is a gorgeous restored heritage building.

– An interesting programme of vocal and violin music, from potboiler favourites to rare treats for music-lovers. Virtuosity in Bulgarian Gypsy Music & Sarasate’s giant concertpiece “Zigeunerweisen”, as well as vocal works from a Bizet Artsong, Carmen, Cats, to even some Jazz.

– You will hear TWO SOUTH AFRICAN PREMIERES, ie two works that have never been performed in South Africa before. I will be telling you the stories.

– It is going to be fun. We take music out of the concert hall “to the people” – with the aim of making music as accessible as possible to a wide audience, without dumbing it down to commercial level.

– Fine musicians. The CV’s and track records speak for themselves.  Petrus De Beer is a fine virtuoso violinist who has played many recitals and concertos and Cape Town Diva Louise Howlett whose stunning range of genres is as impressive as the range of concerts to her name, from the “Kirstenbosch Millennium” Concert, to “Opera in a Convent Garden”, to the Langkloof Blues Festival. As for myself, you all know me by now!

– Wine, Cupcakes and Mini Quiches: Need I say more…

– Keep Music LIVE: the magic happens when you are seeing it in front of your eyes. Youtube is a pale imitation and you can watch that DVD another time. This happens ONCE!

– It’s independent: We do not have a “mother-sponsor” and the proceeds of the doortakings actually constitute the salaray of the artists, who have spent many hours putting this programme together.

Don’t by a typical Capetonian who says AFTERWARDS, “Gosh, I should have gone, when are you doing it again”. Becuase we AREN’T! This programme was SPECIALLY DEVISED for this building and is a ONCE OFF EVENT.

See you there!

VIEW PHOTOS OF THE EVENT HERE.

Fiddle's Tales Header

Friends of Central Library Presents:

Fiddler’s Tales – Songs of Love and Mystery

Louise Howlett (Soprano)
Petrus de Beer (Violin)
Albert Combrink (Music Director & Accompanist)

Cape Town Central Library – Old Drill Hall, Cnr. Parade & Darling Streets
MAP

Friday 21 June 2013
8pm – 9.30pm

Tickets: R100

Bookings: 082 365 6634 /katherine.moon@capetown.gov.za /albertcombrink@worldonline.co.za

A lifetime’s experience wrapped in a familiar tune, or a heartbreak recounted through a hand trembling on the string in a haunting melody you’ve never heard before: “Fiddler’s Tales” is a new production that explores the songs and stories of violins, violinists and the hearts they broke and mended.

Imagine a travelling band of Gypsies arriving in a villiage at nightfall. Imagine an old battered violincase opening. An ancient cloth unwrapped, revealing an old violin. The violin is lifted to a shoulder, strings plucked gently to check that the precious instrument survived the hard journey. The bow is lifted, and in a moment of magic that penetrates the silence, the violin begins to sing…

Stories told through music, and telling the stories of the music, is what Soprano Louise Howlett and Pianist Albert Combrink have made their trademark. They will be joined for this unique programme by Violin Virtuoso Petrus de Beer, one of South Africa’s foremost violinists. The programme will include songs from Musicals, Opera, &, Jazz and Classical & Gypsy Violin Solos. Prepare for some surprises and the first performance of a work that has never been performed before in South Africa. Set in the exquisite surroundings of the Central Library in Cape Town, the concerts in this series are a feast for the eye and ear.

The concert is part of a deliberate initiative which aims to take music performance out of  the traditional concert hall into unusual spaces, connecting audiences with a wide variety of musical genres, making it as accessible as possible, without becoming commercial. Past projects have inlcuded “Campanella – a most unusual Piano Recital”, “Lenten Meditation – St. George’s Cathedral”, “Sweeter than Roses- Central Library”. Set in a Historical Landmark of Cape Town, the concert will also draw in a new audience to the Central Library. A free charity performance open to the public, forms part of the project.

Works on the Programme:

Zigeunerweisen Op. 20 – Pablo Sarasate

Habanera from “Carmen” – Georges Bizet

Bésame mucho – Consuelo Velázquez

Acalanto da Rosa – Claudio Santoro

Misty – Erroll Garner