“We have a spot at the Woordfees 2019, it is confirmed and we will be adding African languages to the program,” said composition lecturer, Arthur Feder, about New Art Song Collection which was presented at the Fismer Hall of the Conservatorium on Saturday.
Tenor, Philip Jordaan opened the show with Droom 1 by Petra Müller. PHOTO: Alundrah Sibanda
The original plan for this concert was to have students from the Stellenbosch University (SU) African Languages department onboard, but there were only Afrikaans performances due to time constraints. However, after the show, Feder and Jesse Dreyer, a managing member of Kompos (Composers of Stellenbosch), confidently expressed that there will be pieces in isiXhosa for the Woordfees 2019 premiere.
The Kompos Experience.
“The African languages department was really interested but our turnaround was a bit short so we couldn’t get enough texts,” said Feder about the change in the program. “But we are definitely working closely with them for Woordfees 2019.”
“It is exciting that we are taking this show to Woordfees next year because I performed twice this year but it was more in an operatic setting so doing a solo performance would be quite something big,” said mezzo-soprano, Lusibalwethu Sesanti, who is of the belief that it is important to go into the mind of the composer when learning new music.
https://soundcloud.com/matiemedia/mezzo-soprano-lusibalwethu-sesanti-perfomed-nag-voorhof-by-karel-prinsloo
“It is the beginning of a collaboration between several departments. In this concert it is between the composition and the singing department,” said Dreyer.
All the performers were greeted and thanked with resounding applause. Throy Petersen, a Master’s student in Piano Performance specialising in accompaniment, performed alongside all the singing students before the intermission, and Nathan Lewis took over from him after intermission.
“We are looking to recreate the show at Woordfees next year,” said Peterson, gesturing enthusiastically at the stage.
“I think our singing students are ready and will do their best. They are already the best. They have been working towards tonight; doing opera in February and a lot more concerts,” said Nicky Fransman, senior facilities manager, who professed himself an enthusiastic audience member and supporter of the students.
“Anybody is invited to these concerts, we try to get as many people on campus involved,” said Dreyer, encouraging everyone to attend the performances.
“I enjoyed the concert not just as an audience member but as a fellow composer and artist. Nathan and Throy really brought our work to life and we are thankful for everyone who was part of this process,” said Natali Frenz, a Master’s student in Music Composition and Kompos committee member, when thanking the audience.
Kompos is a project by the SU Music Department that focuses on promoting student composers.
Students performed the works of poets Petra Müller, Dr Karel Prinsloo and fellow music student Lara Havenga. The students took the time to share their applause with their creative partners and composers.
“We did all this so that our students can create magic together,” said Feder.
-Bonita Williams and Alundrah Sibanda