PhD Recital: Belinda de Villiers (piano)
Saturday 2 August 6pm
Winterreise: Thomas Erlank (voice), Tinus Botha (piano)
Sunday 3 August 6pm
Venue: Beethoven Room
Preview by Benevolence Mazhinji
This weekend, the Beethoven Room hosts two classical concerts that could not be more different in mood, yet both are delicate blades of emotion, sharp enough to pierce a soul.
The weekend starts on a high note with Belinda de Villiers’ PhD piano recital tomorrow (Saturday). Her programme is a burst of diverse sounds and emotions, bringing together the heartfelt power of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff, composers with whom she feels a deep connection. You will also hear the bright, clear notes of Debussy’s Fireworks, a piece rich in sonic imagery.
For a fresh, vibrant twist, she introduces South African composer Alexander Johnson, whose compositions seamlessly blend jazz with classical music, and the rich beat of South African rhythms. Having played almost all of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas over the years, De Villiers performs a selection of pieces that showcase both virtuosity and range. She said, “I hope that it would not just be about listening to classical music but about giving the audience a show.”
The PhD recital starts at 6pm and entrance is free.
A welcoming touch
The weekend continues on an equally special note with visiting artists Thomas Erlank (voice) and Tinus Botha (piano). The musicians take us on Franz Schubert’s Winterreise, a 24-song cycle often described as a psychological snowstorm. It’s the story of a man who walks through winter, heartbroken and disillusioned by pain.
Even though the material in this performance is emotionally weighty, what makes it truly special is its enduring relevance. “We are still dealing with heartbreak and suffering. We are still dealing with happiness, with joy. We are dealing with emotions that are simply a human condition,” says Erlank. Though sung in German, translations will be provided so audiences can follow the poetry in real time. This is a welcoming touch that turns what might seem distant into something tenderly immediate.
This performance of Schubert’s lieder starts at 6.30pm on Sunday 3 August. Tickets are R100 or R50 (pensioner). Students and school-goers enter for free.
So whether you’re braving the cold or chasing sparks, this is a weekend to let the music carry you somewhere unexpected.
