“Zanne Stapelberg will mesmerize you, entice you, cajole you and ensnare you in her captivating recital of Spanish songs… Stapelberg uses every possible vocal inflection and fibre in her being to interpret a range of Spanish songs with fervour and alluring theatricality. This is not mere singing; it is drama emanating right from the core of her sensibilities… The zeal with which Stapelberg approaches this recital proves that she does not see her craft as a job or a calling – it is far more than that – her passion for performance is the essential ingredient in her life.
She remains one of South Africa’s most prolifically talented and engaging artists.”
Jeff Brukman in Cue , Grahamstown National Arts Festival Paper
Zanne Stapelberg, Marc Uys and Kathleen Tagg in concert in Cape Town
Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium, Picton Rd, Parow on Sunday August 23rd at 3pm
Booking at 021 939 9105
Mon – Fri 10am – 6pm and at the door. R60/R40
Baxter Concert Hall on Wednesday August 26th at 8:15pm
Booking through Computicket and at the door. R80/R40
This month Cape Town concert goiers will have the chance to hear opera star Zanne Stapelberg in concert with instrumental virtuosos, violinist Marc Uys and pianist Kathleen Tagg. The concerts celebrate the intimate possibilities of art song with the virtuosic capabilites of solo instruments in a moving program ranging from Saint-Saens and Massenet to Liszt, Falla and Granados.
The three friends have known each other for more than a decade and have performed together many times in the past, but for the first time audiences will be treated to this rare and expressive combination of talent on one stage . Stapelberg and Uys met at the Stellenbosch Conserve in the 1990s, and all three shared time at the University of Cape Town College of Music.
Stapelberg needs no introduction as a great South African diva, whose versatility has earned her widespread acclaim from the press and public alike, as well as the coveted 2008 Standard Bank Young Artist Award.
Acclaimed roles include the title role in Handel’s Alcina and Rosalinda in Strauss’ popular operetta, Die Fledermaus as well as Carla in William Kentridge’s European tour of his performance art piece, Confessions of Zeno. She appeared in Cape Town City Ballet’s sold out seasons of the electrifying Queen at the Ballet brought back for two return seasons.
Uys, founder of the greatly acclaimed Sontonga Quartet has performed in many of the world’s great halls from Europe to the Far East, North America and Australia. He moved to New York in 2008 and is currently co-concert master of the acclaimed Arcos Orchestra, as well as being much in demand as chamber musician and soloist.
Tagg has spent the past eight years in New York, where she studied at the Mannes College of Music and Manhattan School of Music, where she now teaches. She has become a frequent performer at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center following her much acclaimed debut in 2004, and performs throughout the USA and Europe.
The concerts, supported by the Rupert Music Foundation, take place at the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium on Picton Rd in Parow on Sunday August 23rd at 3pm and at the Baxter Concert Hall on Wednesday August 26th at 8:15pm.
Triple kudos for this duo
Review: CANCIONES EN ESPAÑOLA
By Jeff Brukman
Cue contributing editor
Zanne Stapelberg will mesmerize you, entice you, cajole you and ensnare you in her captivating recital of Spanish songs. Admirably supported by guitarist James Grace, the complete Latin experience unfolds in a spectacle of fire, passion, pathos and beguiling sensitivity.
In a magnificently executed opening, Grace’s truly evocative guitar playing conjures up images, sounds and smells of the Latin Spanish world. This is musicianship of another order, where the listener is transported to a fantasy world of wonderment and beauty.
Stapelberg uses every possible vocal inflection and fibre in her being to interpret a range of Spanish songs with fervour and alluring theatricality. This is not mere singing; it is drama emanating right from the core of her sensibilities.
From the fragility of Tonadillas to the passionately inspired Milonga from Maria de Buenos Aires, Stapelberg takes the audience on an emotional journey which is invigorating and awe inspiring. Mas alla del Arco iris, arranged by Swellendam composer Braam du Toit, sees Stapelberg traversing intricately shaped melodic lines with a bewildering ease of accomplishment. Pablo Neruda, specially commissioned by Stapelberg from South African composer Matthjis van Dijk, displays her prowess as a saxophonist, soprano and percussionist.
This remarkable work, which skillfully captures the essence of the text and Spanish flavour, is as much a part of the programme as those works composed by Piazzolla, Villa-Lobos and de Falla.
Stapelberg and Grace’s ensemble is the creative pivot around which this recital revolves; their subtle communication, artistic awareness and perfect sense of dramatic timing allow song after song to become a living entity. This is especially apparent in the tenderly evocative duet Quando la ames.
The zeal with which Stapelberg approaches this recital proves that she does not see her craft as a job or a calling – it is far more than that – her passion for performance is the essential ingredient in her life.
She remains one of South Africa’s most prolifically talented and engaging artists.
Canciones en Española has been without a shadow of a doubt the highlight of my Festival 2009.
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
Canciones en Espanola is at Rhodes Chapel on Friday at 9pm
Zanne Stapelberg has been awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for 2008 in the Music category.
The Young Artist Awards recognise young South Africans who have demonstrated exceptional artistic promise within their discipline but who have not yet achieved extensive national exposure and acclaim. The awards are designed to assist in promoting the careers of those selected.
Since their inception in 1981, the awards have recognised some 89 artists. Previous winners include the likes of Paul Slabolepszy (1983), Andrew Buckland (1986), William Kentridge (1987), Johnny Clegg (1989), and Sibongile Khumalo (1993).
As part of their prize, each of the winners will be featured on the Main Programme of the 2008 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (26 June to 5 July). In addition to a cash prize, they will receive the financial backing required to present their work, be it a production or exhibition.
“The Standard Bank Young Artist Awards are a vital element of art initiatives in South Africa,” said Sibongile Khumalo, Chairperson of the National Arts Festival. “They allow space for experimentation and give affirmation to developing talent. Standard Bank has gone a long way in giving credit to these young artists.”
The other 2008 winners are: Dada Masilo for Dance, Mark Fransman for Music, Nontsikelelo Veleko for Visual Art and Jaco Bouwer for Drama
