Wednesday 26 September 2007

Mixael presents

BravoBrava's Personality of the Week is Karl William Jenkins OBE (born February 17, 1944), British musician and composer. Jenkins was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list for 2005.

In July, Karl was awarded both an honorary Doctor Of Music degree by the University of Leicester. He was also awarded the Chancellor's Medal by the University of Glamorgan.

On 26 & 27 September at 20:00 he will conduct his latest composition, The Armed Man in Johanesburg. The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace is the result of a special millennial commission from the Royal Armouries and the latest in a six century old tradition of "Armed Man" masses that take the fifteenth century French song "L'Homme Armé" as their starting point.

According to Guy Wilson, Master of the Royal Armouries "The theme that 'the armed man must be feared' which is the message of the song seemed to me painfully relevant to the 20th century and so the idea was born to commission a modern 'Armed Man Mass'. What better way both to look back and reflect as we leave behind the most war-torn and destructive century in human history, and to look ahead with hope and commit ourselves to a new and more peaceful millennium."

Large scale in both scope and scale The Armed Man it is a profoundly moving yet very accessible work which uses the most traditional of means to explore an all too contemporary subject. As Karl Jenkins explains, "As I started composing The Armed Man the tragedy of Kosovo unfolded. I was reminded daily of the horror of such conflict and so I dedicate the work to the victims of Kosovo".

Karl Jenkins is the composer of the million-selling album Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary. He trained as a classical musician at Cardiff University and Royal Academy of Music in London. In the 1970s he played with Ronnie Scott's jazz band and jazz-rock fusion band Soft Machine. Jenkins topped the record charts with Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary, which hauntingly evokes choral and world music. Sequels Adiemus: Cantata Mundi and Adiemus: Dances of Time also rapidly topped the charts. His music is widely familiar through advertising usage, including Adiemus for Delta Air Lines and Palladio for De Beers Diamond campaign. Other ecent works include an opera for young people Eloise, based on a Nordic folk tale and Requiem which are rapidly being taken into the repertoire of choral groups.

The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace received its world première in April 2000 at London's Royal Albert Hall and this year the work receives it’s US premiere at New York’s Carnegie Hall on June 13 with the New England Symphonic Ensemble and several choruses from across the nation. The work will be performed in the Johannesburg City Hall on 26 & 27 September at 20:00. Booking is with Computicket.

For more information on the performance contact:

Ferial at (011) 559-3058 or at artscentre@uj.ac.za.

Listeners may participate in our discussions by adding interesting viewpoints and comments. Telephone lines will open at about 10:30 pm – and, the number to call is 089 110 2003. Remember, we love you and would really like to hear from you!

Andrea de Pinna Stauch, BravoBrava’s resident numerotherapist, uses the Science of Numbers, based on the Pythagorean system, to see what makes our Personality of the Week tick and to ascertain what is locked up in the name given at birth and, what other hidden talents there may be! She also looks at the date of birth to see what lessons that person has elected to come on to this earth-plane to work through in this life. If these lessons are not being addressed - and in an effort to catch your attention - symptoms will begin to appear on the physical body. She shows what the underlying root causes of the problems are and, once that has been established, just how to work your way through the challenges in your conscious mind. This is where the healing starts.
Andrea may be contacted on andreastauch@mweb.co.za or +27 11 440 8315.

The Black Tie Ensemble (BTE) in association with The South African State Theatre presents An Edwardian Soirée from 19 to 30 September, with additional sponsorship by the National Arts Council.
This production takes us back to a more leisurely time – the Edwardian period, covering the reign of King Edward VII before the devastation of the First World War changed the world forever, when people entertained themselves by performing and singing during elegant dinners and early evening High Teas. The singers in the production will be in Edwardian period costume and will portray a variety of characters. The soirée is presented by the Maitre d’, who will have the only speaking role in the production - leading the proceedings and introducing the various characters.
The production is directed by Neels Hansen. Sarah Roberts designed the set and costumes, while the script was written by Peter Terry. A young professional actor, Jason Kennett, will perform the role of the Maitre d’.A three-piece ensemble, consisting of harp, violin and piano, will accompany the singers under the leadership of B

Performances:19 – 30 September
Evening performances on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 19.00 for 19.30
Afternoon performances on Sunday at 15.00
Ticket prices:
Evening performances: R250 inclusive of dinner and table wines
Afternoon performance: R150 inclusive of High Tea
Booking:All reservations made through The Black Tie Ensemble 012 320 1802 (dedicated line) or music@blackties.co.za
TE senior

Founders of the Blackties Mimi Coertse and Neels Hansen. Neels tyhis month annlunced his retirement from the ensemble for reasons of bad health. Here follows a tribute:

TRIBUTE TO NEELS HANSEN - ARTS VISIONARY

On Sunday 29 October, at the final Black Tie Ensemble Sunday morning concert for 2006 the PMAA handed over a certificate of recognition to Neels Hansen for his dedication and outstanding commitment to the world of opera.
Earlier this month my partner Paul and I attended the opening of the Black Tie Ensemble production of Cavalleria Rusticana & Il Pagliacci. After the performance I had an opportunity to speak to briefly to Mimi Coertse and Neels Hansen. Walking away I thought about how much the members of the Ensemble owed to these two tenacious founders: Mimi Coertse and Neels Hansen. The thought stayed with me for the rest of the week.
Although Ms Coertse has received considerable recognition for her achievements both in South Africa and overseas, Mr Hansen has remained very much in the background with very little recognition for his considerable contribution to opera. Not only has he had an impact on the lives and careers of many making a career in the performing arts, but he has also had an impact on my life. He has touched me and many other opera lovers through the many productions in which he has been involved.

I thought it was time to say 'Thank you, Neels'. With the help if the inestimable Arnold Cloete who provided the contact list I started phoning people who had known Neels. On the PMAA website and Black Tie Ensemble website is an interesting glimpse of a very special man.
From the comments of those who have known him well one can but together a portrait of a fair, dedicated and caring man. Someone who will go the extra mile both for his art and to help another. A man of great artist integrity and honesty, but also one with sympathy for the individual.

Below is an extract of the brief speech I made when handing over the certificate.

"On behalf of myself and many hundreds like me I would like to express my appreciation of his Neels Hansen's endeavours in the world of opera and to briefly pay tribute to a very special man.
I don't know Neels personally but in the last weeks I have had an opportunity to speak to many who do, including those who have worked with him and who have been guided by him.
Speaking to people about Neels has been a very humbling and moving experience. Every person I spoke to, expressed gratitude towards Neels for the positive way in which he has touched their lives.
This is what some have to say about Neels Hansen:

From Mimi Coertse - special in her own right and partner in the BTE venture
"He can't sing and he can't play the piano. It is his passion and his dedication; his love and energy for opera and music, that makes him a special guardian angel for anything to do with opera and music.

Colin Muir - wig maker says "Mr Hansen brought world class opera to our country and loyally stayed to build and rebuild it.
"he is known for his patience, knowledge, and refusal to accept the second rate; his passion, art and his impeccable good taste is to be seen in all his productions. Mediocrity does not exist in his dictionary."

"Neels has a passion for both art form and artists." - Virginia Davids

Fanie Jordaan from the Afrikaans press describes Neels as :
"A remarkable man"

From the Black Tie Ensemble there were many comments. Here a re just a few extracts:
Thabang Senekal, baritone and third year Incubator
"being a member of the Incubator Scheme offered me opportunities that I would never have had and showed me a way of achieving my dreams and aspirations"

Loveline Madumo, soprano
"I have had the opportunity to learn so much from celebrated opera director, Neels Hansen with his wealth of experience. Even when I perform in shows other than those of BTE, the training, discipline and way of communicating with the audience, makes me stand out against other performers. "

Linda Zitha, baritone, and senior member of The Black Tie Ensemble
"I studied at the Technikon and joined the State Theatre’s Opera Chorus after completing my studies. I was devastated when the State Theatre closed down because I was suddenly without a job and with no prospects for an opera singer career.
The BTE gave me a new lease on life and made it possible for me to again pursue my talents and do what I always dreamed of doing – being an opera singer. "

From a colleague at the State Theatre, Bronwen Lovegrove of Wardrobe
"Neels’ passion for his craft was one of the reasons I developed my love of opera over the years."

From comic actor Tobie Cronje who studied at Tukkies under Neels
"He opened my eyes to comedy.
while I was learning Neels taught me a lot of what I know of my craft, so he is always with me."

Graham Scott - conductor
"the contribution of Neels to the arts – designing, directing, administering, fostering – is unfathomable "

From another wardrobe colleague: Delene Holt
"There were times when it felt as though he was stretching me beyond my limits but I realise now how much I learnt from those times! Thank you for that!"

Wednesday 19 September 2007

Mixael presents

BravoBrava celebrates Heritage Day, this coming Monday, 24 September, by interviewing Personality of the Week, David Hart, formal Manager of the National Inventory at the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA/National Monuments Council).

David, who has been with SAHRA for fourteen years, was born in Zimbabwe, schooled in Malawi and South Africa and obtained his BA(Hons) Architectural History from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

He also holds qualifications in Project Management (UCT), People Management (Stellenbosch University) and Advanced level MS Access.

Listeners may participate in our discussions by adding interesting viewpoints and comments. Telephone lines will open at about 10:30 pm – and, the number to call is 089 110 2003. Remember, we love you and would really like to hear from you!

Leading tonight's discussion about South Africa's national heritage and the importance of its conservation, is Krynauw Nel, Pr. Arch, Chief Executive of Krynauw Nel Associates (Pty) Ltd who graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand, with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 1989. He also received several certificates of merit, particularly in his major subjects of “History of Architecture” and “Architectural Theory and Design”. He completed his first residential projects while still a student and spent a year travelling the Middle East, Europe and America.

In 1987 he completed a practical year with an architectural firm in London, specializing in upmarket residential work in areas such as Little Venice, Chelsea and Mayfair. He later formed a close association and collaborated with legendary British interior designer David Hicks, son-in-law of Lord Louis Mountbatten, for several years. Joint projects included work in Portugal, Cape Town and the Natal Midlands. After graduating, he spent a year with a commercial practice in Pretoria before setting up his own practice in 1994.

Krynauw’s work has been widely published and virtually every magazine, dealing with particularly residential design, has featured some of his projects. Several programmes on television have also featured projects by Krynauw.

Krynauw Nel is a qualified and registered architect. Krynauw is also a qualified and registered Estate Agent as well as a registered Sectional Title Practitioner. Membership includes the South African Council for Architects, Institute for the South African Architects, and Council for Estate Agents. He is currently working towards completing a second degree with rivate Law, Psychology and Latin as majors.
Krynauw’s practice has executed literally hundreds of homes across the country ranging from the modest to the grand, and from country to city. The practice actively avoids the confines of establishing a set style, preferring to focus on well-designed and detailed buildings.

The practice is also designing a new 5-star hotel on Poivre Island, Seychelles.

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Architect Herbert Prins, M.Arch(Cons); B.Arch; Dip T P;ARIBA; MIA;Arch SA, read architecture at the University of the Orange Free State and at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He obtained a Diploma in Town Planning, (1973) and Master of Architecture (Conservation) (1990).

At present he runs his own architectural practice, specialising in heritage conservation and active in community affairs, as well as heritage conservation bodies.

Recent practice includes the design of the temporary structure erected on Strydom Square, Pretoria for the inauguration banquet of President Thabo Mbeki.

He has been heritage consultant on numerous South African architectural conservation projects, especially in the renewal of Johannesburg's City Centre and adjacent areas.

Member of the Gauteng Provincial Heritage Resources Council (PHRAG); 2002 to 2006. Chairperson of various heritage committees including: The Witwatersrand Branch of the Simon van der Stel Foundation (now Egoli Heritage Foundation)The Panel of Assessors appointed by the NMC to advise on existing conservation legislation; changes to the Act and management of heritage resources in South Africa. The Witwatersrand Heritage Trust - the umbrella organisation for heritage conservation on the Witwatersrand (1980 to its demise in 2000): Member of the Committee 1980-1990. Chairperson 1990-2000). Member of the committee of the Johannesburg Heritage Trust from its inception in about 2000 to present.

Member of the Executive Committee of the Johannesburg Heritage Trust and Vice Chairman.

Herbert has received many awards during his long career amongst other the Gold Medal of Distinction of the South African Institute of Architects and the Gold Medal of the Simon Van der Stel Foundation (now Heritage South Africa).

Flo Bird, became involved in Residents Association work in 1973 with the rezoning of Parktown to offices. Battles against the freeways M3, M6 etc. followed, and in 1982 she started doing tours of Parktown. This proved popular and grew into the Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust in an effort to preserve the heritage of the old homes and lovely gardens.

Flo is Jo’burg born and bred. She attended Parkview Junior, Parkview Senior (interrupted by 3 very happy years in Lourenco Marques) Parktown Girls High School, the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) and Johannesburg College of Education(JCE).

Her grandparents were Johannesburg Pioneers (i.e. they came here before 1900) and her father gave her a strong sense of history. She served on the National Monuments Council for 10 years and have been active on heritage matters both in Parktown and Johannesburg.

Flo has been married for 43 years to a wonderfully supportive husband, John Bird. They have 3 sons and 7 grandchildren.

Gillian Condy was born in 1952 in Kenya and educated in Uganda and England. She trained as a scientific illustrator and received a Masters Degree from the Royal Collage of Art in London. She worked for four years in Botswana before taking up the post as resident botanical artist with SANBI at the National Herbarium in Pretoria, where she has been for over twenty years. She has designed fourteen sets of stamps for Botswana, two for Bophuthatswana and the set of Clivia stamps for South Africa (released in September, 2006). Gillian is also a founder member and past president of the Botanical Artists Association of Southern Africa (BAASA).
Gillian was a major contributor to the biographical section of Peeling Back The Petals: South African Botanical Art and has also illustrated two books: Geophytic Pelargoniums and Grass Aloes in the South African Veld. The latter features two of South Africa's most eminent botanical artists, of whom Gillian is one. Three paintings presented in this book and exhibited at the Kirstenbosch Biennale Botanical Art Exhibition in 2004 won Gold Medals - for the botanical artist this book has considerable interest, as each of the plants painted by Gillian is done with scientific accuracy in its natural habitat and immediate surroundings. Four pages of the book, with three A4 size paintings, explain how Gillian progressed her work to the final product.
The artist has received a number of awards: The London Linnaean Society's Jill Smythies Award, the Cynthia Letty Medal of the Botanical Society of South Africa, seven Gold- and three Silver Medals from the Royal Horticultural Society in London and two Gold- and two Silver Medals at the Kirstenbosch Biennale.

The Wine & Art Route is a 4 km stretch of our South African Heritage along Paarl’s Main Road. Curator, Johann du Plessis talks to us from the Rock in Paarl.

Born 1953, Frankfort, Free State Province, South Africa. Graduated with BA (FA) and (HED) from the University of the Free State in 1980. Du Plessis has exhibited widely both locally and abroad (Canada, Monaco, Spain and the U.K). He is represented in local and overseas private-, public- and corporate collections. Du Plessis has received numerous awards, including the FNB Art Competition, 1987 (overall winner); the 2nd prize at the 5th International Miniature Art Exhibition in Toronto, Canada; a merit award at the 15th Grand Prix International D’art Contemporain, Monaco. He was a finalist for the FNB Vita Art Now Award in 1995 as well as the Brett Kebble Art Awards in 2003.

Du Plessis has been involved in art education since 1981. He has been teaching / lecturing at Eunice Girls High, Bloemfontein, the Johannesburg Art, Ballet, Drama and Music School, Damelin-Eden Art Academy where he was Head of Department, Vice-Principal, and Principal. Du Plessis was examiner for Graphic Art Gauteng, till 2004. In 2005 he was co-founder and editor of CONTEMPO art & design magazine and is currently the curator / coordinator for Visual Art at the CULTIVARIA Festival 2007. He lives and works in Paarl, Western Cape, where he is a part-time lecturer at Boland College.

Du Plessis specializes in Graphic art (drawing, printmaking and collage). Traces of Dadaism, Minimalism, Formalism, Pop Art, Post- Modernism, Deconstructivism, * ”Neo-Pop, Neo-Confucianism or Neo-Claustrophobism”, can be found in his work.