With David Salleras (saxophone), Christopher Duigan (piano) and Federico Freschi (baritone)
David Salleras has distinguished himself as creating a new form of writing for the saxophone, blending classical, contemporary music with improvisation and traditional Spanish idioms. His flexibility and knowledge of multiple musical genres coupled with his unique ideas have resulted in a highly successful international career. After finishing his studies at the conservatoire in Barcelona he won a scholarship to study in France with Jean-Yves Fourmeau and Nicolas Prost in Paris. David plays saxophones by Selmer, Paris and his works are published by Edition Dinsic Barcelona.
Salleras is joined once again by pianist and Steinway virtuoso Christopher Duigan. Like Salleras, Duigan has combined a classical pianist’s approach to a concert career in South-Africa with a sympathetic understanding of multiple genres and styles in a broad, varied and highly acclaimed repertoire. Hailed as a ‘ South African piano icon’, Christopher holds an exclusive accolade of being named a Steinway Artist.
Federico Freschi, well known to local audiences as an accomplished operatic baritone and art historian, has maintained an extensive performing partnership with Duigan for a number of years appearing on many of South Africa’s premier stages and platforms. Federico shares his talent for singing with a love of the visual arts and design, and is currently the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) at the University of Johannesburg. He is featured in this concert singing arias from Carmen, Barber of Seville, inspired Spanish song Granada by Mexican composer Augustin, as well as a selection of Cole Porter songs.
Also included in Sounds for the Soul – Sonidos por el alma is music by Astor Piazzolla (Argentina), Pedro Iturlade (Spain) and of course Salleras’ own sensational flamenco inspired compositions. Duigan’s own Richard Guinness Project is included here in the light hearted Six Pint Sized Pieces which are aired regularly on ClassicFM.
“This formidable trio, not only sets the tone for UJ Arts & Culture’s 2014 music programme, but is an added treat for Johannesburg audiences before Duigan and Freschi perform on the Main stage in Grahamstown as part of the National Arts Festival” says Grace Meadows, Performing Arts Manager for UJ Arts & Culture.
This once-off, not to be missed concert, takes place at the UJ Arts Centre Theatre, Kingsway Campus on Friday 9th May at 20h00. Tickets are available from Computickert, UJ Arts Theatre offices and at the door for only R80 and R50 for students and pensioners. Block booking discounts available.
For more information, please call 011 559 4674 or email ujarts@uj.ac.za
Duigan (right)