Not only is she resplendent in a brand new frock, but her summer programme also reminds one of the custom of giving the bride 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' on her special day.
For 'something old' Oude Libertas will present productions that have had a run elsewhere but are shows that one would like to see again, or which one is glad that others will now also have the opportunity of seeing if they have not done so to date: Hennie van Greunen’s brilliant adaptation of Shirley Valentyn with the inimitable Shaleen Surtie-Richards; Die Naaimasjien, a touching portrayal of the aging process by drama diva Sandra Prinsloo; Saam, an unusually interesting team effort by Amanda Strydom and Lize Beekman; It takes 2, with Rocco de Villiers on piano who embarks on a musical journey that ranges from bossa nova and tango to the blues with Robert Mitchley (guitar) and the well-known dance duo Mark Hoeben and Ina Wichterich; Hartsnaar with Jannie du Toit and Christa Steyn who contemplate the fate of songwriters, singers and musicians; Vivere with Jannie Moolman and Brandon October the ultimate crossover production that will take you on a musical journey of Opera, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Classics and a few surprises that defy categorization; Emo Adams returns with his band in a powerful performance confirming why he earns the title “Tall, dark and Afrikaans” and, of course, Cutt Glas – 20 jaar van spesiale oomblikke, a special concert by this popular a cappella group, ending their tour during which they celebrated their 20
th birthday.
In late November the first item in the 'something blue' category is the Boulevard Blues Band with Dr John (vocals); Richard Pryor (guitar); Graeme Abbot (guitar); Greg Smith (percussion); and Rob Stemmet (bass). They are followed by SwingTime Ballet, a nostalgic look at the big band era by the Bovim Ballet Company, Francois Arzul (violin) and Francois Lliam (vocals). Shortly after Christmas, the programme boasts local jazz singer Tutu Puoane and her band and on New Year’s Eve the Sticky Triggers will keep everyone on their feet until midnight with numbers such as 'In the mood'; 'My baby just cares for me'; and many more. Ollie Viljoen and some well-known co-artists get the opportunity in Blues en Susters to show that being blue and the blues are homegrown concepts. Gloria Bosman, the Afrika Mamas and the Abaqondisi Brothers don’t need any introduction and musical director extraordinaire Janine Neethling will ensure that they deliver an unforgettable performance. The last 'something blue' will be provided by Mark Fransman in Strait ’n Narro, a programme of his own compositions performed by him and top musicians such as Melanie Scholtz (vocals) and others.
The undisputed highlight of the 'something new' items – as well as being the final concert in the summer programme – is a magnificent a cappella rendition of Handel’s Messiah. Ably led by Janine Neethling and with Zanne Stapelberg, Minette du Toit-Pearce, Siabonga Maqunga and Jaco Klopper as soloists, assisted by the Canticum Novum choral group and key singers such as Zwai Bala; Nic Nicolaidis; Anneke Visagie; and Mariëtte Labuschagne, as well as David Klassen on percussion, it promises to be a musical experience of note. Another brand new production is a gala concert by Pretty Yende, the opera diva who recently walked away with all the prizes at the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition. In March, Cape Town Opera’s Voice of the Nation Ensemble gets an opportunity to show off with favourite opera arias and other songs. However, Oude Libertas also nurtures young talent. On 6 December Andra, Luna Paige, Sima and Marlise Scheepers will perform in Splendour in the Vineyard, while the women who make up Sterling EQ get a chance to shine on their electric violins, cello and flute on 19 February. Someone who is not new on the music scene, but who is a newbie at Oude Libertas, is Lucas Maree. He and his old friend Mathys Roets will take the audience on a nostalgic trip on 28 February.
'Something borrowed' mainly stems from the classical repertoire and much of it with the compliments of our overseas musical partners, but not exclusively. In fact, the first 'borrowed' production is presented in conjunction with the Suidoosterfees, namely the Black Tie Ensemble. After that we go to Russia to borrow Lidia Baich. An artist who needs no introduction is Stef Bos. On 7 February he will again be in the amphitheatre in which he made his South African debut. He will be followed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Piazolla’s Argentinian sounds. On Valentine’s Day we’ll borrow from the French when Anna Davel and a group of musicians fill the fragrant evening air around Oude Libertas with the romantic sounds of 'La vie en rose'; 'Chansons d’amour' and other love songs. Fiery romance and rhythms continue on subsequent evenings when pianists Zorada Temmingh and Elna van der Merwe collaborate with Minette du Toit-Pearce (mezzo soprano) and Anina Wasserman (soprano) to present Gypsy Life. That is preceded by Cape Classic Concert. The last borrowed item comes from Babu, Cape-based musicians.
There are two more special occasions on the Oude Libertas calendar. The first is the annual Versindaba on 27 and 28 November, a celebration of Afrikaans poetry. Get the full programme at
www.versindaba.co.za; email to
[email protected]; or phone 021 882 9100. The second is an Aids Awareness concert on 22, 23 and 24 January at which groups and artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo; Jimmy Earl Perry; Rouchelle Liedemann; Janelle Visagie; and many others will perform.
The third annual Christmas Carol Concert will take place on 20 and 21 December. The well-known conductor Richard Cock will again lead the proceedings.