ENSEMBLES
CAMERATA TINTA BAROCCA
The Camerata is the only South African Baroque orchestra specializing in Historically Informed Performance Practice (HIPP), with period instruments at A=415 Hz (unequal temperament).
I have been in close collaboration with Camerata Tinta Barocca since 2016. Privileged to feature as a guest concertmaster, soloist and tutti player under the inspirational leadership of Erik Dippenaar – an erudite mentor and impeccable harpsichord player, I found my true Baroque home.
Style, integrity, respect and dedication to the Baroque HIPP is what mainly describes the working environment in which I can truly express myself.
Performing concerts with world class musicians such as Erik Dippenaar, Refiloe Olifant – baroque violin, Lynelle Kenned – soprano, as well as international performers: Erik Bosgraat – recorder, Carin van Heerden – baroque oboe, Ana Fusek – recorder, Laurence Zazzo – tenor, Philip Mathmann – countertenor and many more are highlights in my baroque journey.
Highlights:
Pergolesi Stabat Mater, June 2020
Camerata Tinta Barocca invited to Expresso Breakfast Show, January 2020
Cape Town Baroque Festival, September 2019
Woordfees Festival Baxter, March 2019
Cape Town Baroque Festival, September 2018
Soloist in Camerata Tinta Barocca Opening Concert, January 2017
BAROQUE 2000
What a journey! Baroque 2000 is founded by Michel Schneuwly, Swiss-born musician who brought to South Africa his passion for baroque music.
I have been appointed Concertmaster of the group in 2006. Since then, I have been enjoying many years of splendid concerts, challenging solos, thrilling projects and grateful audience. Currently we are in the process of changing to permanently performing with period instruments at 415Hz and joining the family of HIPP groups around the world.
Throughout the years, Baroque 2000 attracted many world class musicians: Chiara Banchini – baroque violin, Antoinette Lohmann – baroque violin, Darragh Morgan – violin, Francois Xavier Roth – conductor, Matthias Maude with his Ensemble “Caprice” and many more.
Baroque 2000 performed at Hilton Festival, South Africa, Grahamstown Festival, South Africa, Harare International Festival of Arts, Zimbabwe and continues to perform monthly at the beautiful Mariannhill Monastery, near Durban.
In celebration of the groups 10th year anniversary in 2009, our first CD was released. We are currently recording ‘Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in Africa’, sponsored by the Rupert Foundation, and I am delighted to be performing as the soloist.
Highlights:
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Spring, September 2020
Baroque and Flamenco, Baroque 2000, September 2019
Harare International Festival of Arts, Zimbabwe, May 2018
Christmas celebration concert " - December 2020 ,with Lynelle Chrystal Kenned and Erik Dippenaar
MISSHAPEN PEARLS
Founded by Erik Dippenaar together with Refiloe Olifant and myself, Misshapen Pearls is a Baroque Story. Erik beautifully says “If you play Baroque music your main goal is to convince the audience of the feelings that you are feeling”.
Baroque is abundance. Abundance of emotions and freedom, not only to express our individuality, but also our spontaneity. Baroque (as the direct translation of the word) means Misshapen Pearls and our deepest inspiration derives
from expressing it.
We perform with period instruments at A = 415Hz (unequal temperament).
Highlights:
Klein Karoo Klassique, Klassique Baroque Festival, recording
Baroque Celebration, Cape Town Concert Series, November 2020
Misshapen Pearls, A Baroque Story, a collaboration with Friends of Orchestral Music and Bowmans, October 2019
Cape Town Baroque Festival, September 2019
ENSEMBLE “CAPRICE”
The world renown Ensemble “Caprice”, Quebec, with artistic director, Matthias Maude had their South African debut in concert collaboration with Baroque 2000 in Durban.
The Gypsy Baroque program featured Selection from the Collection Uhrovska (1730) with Polish, Slovakian and Hungarian gypsy baroque. As a concertmaster, I had the enormous privilege of performing amazing solos, skillfully arranged by Mr. Maude.
Further on, I was invited to join the musicians of the Ensemble on their Gypsy Baroque tour in France, in June 2020. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 the tour was postponed to 2023.
Highlights:
“Gypsy Baroque”, Ensemble Caprice and Baroque 2000, August 2018
