The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts & Culture is taking advantage of its world-class theatre facilities and concert Steinway piano at its Arts Centre on the Kingsway campus to relaunch its classical music programme. The planned series of classical concerts will feature leading classical musicians from Johannesburg and beyond, as well as the University’s award-winning choirs, and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra.
Commenting on this three-pronged approach, UJ Arts Producer Grace Meadows says, “We are delighted to announce a greatly expanded programme of classical music for the coming year”.
The UJ Choir is based on UJ’s Kingsway Campus, and the Unijoh Chorale is based on the UJ Soweto Campus. Together they represent the diversity of the City of Gold, performing a fine Western repertoire, as well as full-blooded African music. The Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC) officially took up residence on the UJ Bunting Road campus last year and will be presenting a series of concerts.
“We are thrilled to now be in the position to add to this by reintroducing a robust programme of professional classical concerts, featuring industry stalwarts, such as Richard Cock, Nicholas Nicolaidis, Malcolm Nay, the Umoya Wind Quintet, and the Resonance String Quartet,” Meadows says, adding that the season will culminate with the all-new Dean’s Gala Concert in November.
The full classical music programme at UJ for 2016 is as follows:
EASTER PROGRAMME WITH RICHARD COCK AND NICHOLAS NICOLAIDIS
UJ Arts Centre Theatre, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
11 April 17:30
The first in a series of classical music concerts held at the UJ Arts Centre Theatre. These two gentlemen are household names in South Africa and continue to enthral audiences everywhere. They will present a programme of songs and readings for Easter, which, regardless of your religious persuasion, is guaranteed to be inspirational. Book at Computicket.
RESONANCE STRING QUARTET
UJ Arts Centre Theatre, Kingsway Campus
9 May 17:30
Formed through their mutual love of chamber music, Resonance String Quartet features the talents of Kabelo Motlhomi (violin), Kabelo Monnathebe (violin), Tiisetso Mashishi (viola) and Daliwonga Tshangela (cello). The Resonance String Quartet’s repertoire is extensive, giving a classical spin on many genres of music, including jazz, kwela, pop, soul, tango, hymns, film scores/musicals and African music. Book at Computicket.
A NIGHT WITH THE STARS (Presented by JYOC)
27 and 28 May 19:00
UJ Arts Centre Theatre, Kingsway Campus
A musical celebration featuring the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra in concert with local celebrities Tim Moloi and Samantha Peo – for two nights only. For bookings call 011 484 1257 or email info@orchestracompany.org.za.
WITS TRIO – MALCOLM NAY (Piano), ZANTA HOFMEYR (Violin) AND MACIEJ LACNY (Cello)
UJ Arts Centre Theatre, Kingsway Campus
13 June 17:30
Formed four years ago, the trio has performed at most of the major festivals and music societies in South Africa. Their programme includes works by Brahms and Beethoven. Book at Computicket.
IRA: Original Classical and Neo-Classical Works
Composed and performed by Daniel Geddes (piano)
UJ Con Cowan Theatre, Bunting Road Campus
16 June 19:30
An evening of beautiful music with Daniel Geddes on piano, performing a selection of original classical and neo-classical works. Compositions include pieces from Liquid Fusion’s Ira, Pilcrow, Burn, as well as unreleased solo works. Contact preciousm@uj.ac.za or info@orchestracompany.org.za for ticket details.
EDMONTON YOUTH CHOIR (Canada) & UJ CHOIR
15 July 19:00
Hervormde Kerk, Johannesburg-Wes (16 Tenby Street South, Westdene)
The Edmonton Youth Choir has toured western Canada, Europe, Asia, and will then add South Africa to the list. On this night, our very own UJ Choir and the Edmonton Youth Choir will share each other’s gift of music by hosting a joint concert. For bookings and enquiries email choir@uj.ac.za.
UMOYA ENSEMBLE
UJ Arts Centre Theatre, Kingsway Campus
22 August 17:30
This all-female wind quintet comprises Malané Hofmeyr-Burger (flute), Lesley Stansell (oboe), Chrisna Smith (clarinet), Penelope Ives (bassoon) and Shannon Armer (French horn). Meaning ‘wind’ or ‘spirit’ in Zulu, Umoya refers to the use of wind to produce sound on these magnificent instruments. The programme includes works by Bach, Milhaud and Reicha. Book at Computicket.
JYOC SYMPHONY CONCERT (Presented by JYOC)
UJ Arts Centre Theatre, Kingsway Campus
25 September 15:00
This extraordinary group of young musicians presents a full symphony concert. Under the baton of conductor Eddie Clayton, the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC) has achieved an immensely high standard of performance and is guaranteed to delight! For bookings call 011 484 1257 or email info@orchestracompany.org.za.
UJ CHOIR ANNUAL CELEBRATION CONCERT
Sanlam Auditorium, Kingsway Campus
21 October 19:30
The Annual Celebration Concert is hosted by the University choir to celebrate the year that was, by rendering a programme filled with the year’s repertoire in seraphic Western pieces and jubilant African songs. For bookings and enquiries email choir@uj.ac.za.
Security for events
Patrons are reminded that UJ Arts & Culture has revised security controls regarding parking and access to its venues in order to ensure the safety of patrons, staff, students and alumni.
To ensure smooth access, tickets for all events taking place in the Arts Centre and Con Cowan Theatres should be pre-booked, printed and presented to security at the boom when coming on to campus.
Secure parking has been arranged in the parking lot opposite the main entrance on Kingsway for patrons or members of the media attending Opening Nights or free events. Guests will then be escorted on the short walk across the pedestrian bridge to the Arts Centre Theatre or the UJ Art Gallery.
About UJ Arts and Culture
UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) at the University of Johannesburg, produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.
In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA (www.uj.ac.za/fada) offers programmes in eight creative disciplines in art, design and architecture, as well as being home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre. The Faculty has a strong focus on sustainability and relevance, and engages actively with the dynamism, creativity and diversity of Johannesburg in imagining new approaches to art and design education. Equipped with state-of-the art, custom-built facilities, the Faculty is staffed by highly regarded academics, architects, artists and designers.
For regular updates on the UJ Arts Centre follow @UJArtsCentre on Twitter or visit www.uj.ac.za/arts.