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.
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." 
For more information on the performance contact: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!"
1 comment:
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