Acclaimed SA Tenor Phenye Modiane and Steinway pianist Charl du Plessis in concert at Affies, Pretoria.

The Aardklop Aubade classical music concert series in collaboration with the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool presents Caruso & Lanza in Africa on Sunday, 06 June 2021 at 11am in the school hall. This is the fifth concert in the series that now combines the vocal prowess of the multi-talented opera tenor, Phenye Modiane with Steinway artist and celebrated pianist, Charl du Plessis on piano. Both artists have performed internationally and the combination of their talents at home for the first-time next month is a major coup for Aardklop Aubade. Tickets for this 75-minute concert are priced at R100 for learners, R170 for pensioners and R190 for adults are on sale at Ticketpros.

Mario Lanza and Enrico Caruso reign supreme as the top tenor voices in history. This year marks a century “milestone” for these iconic tenors.  Lanza would have celebrated his 100th birthday and Caruso passed away 100 years ago. The next Aardklop Aubade features the biggest arias, Neapolitan songs and favourites from musicals as sung by these two unforgettable singers. Caruso & Lanza in Africa features the award-winning tenor Phenye Modiane who teams up with pianist, Charl du Plessis in an unforgettable experience for opera lovers. The programme includes well known favourites such as  “O sole Mio”, “Una Furtiva Lagrima”, “Granada” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” amongst other works made famous by Caruso and Lanza.

Born in Ga-Rankuwa, Phenye Modiane completed his BTech Degree in Vocal Art at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2006. Since 2011, he performed in numerous productions for Opera Africa from Carmen to Cosi fan Tutte and La Traviata. He joined Gauteng Opera in 2017 where he served as artistic director until 2019. In May 2019, Phenye performed at Malmö Opera Theatre in Sweden as part of the Star For Life fundraising Concert. Phenye is currently the founder and Managing Director of Johannesburg Opera NPC which was introduced to the public on 01 December 2019. He continues to perform, produce concerts/productions and also teach, coach, and manage artists.

The celebrated musician, Charl du Plessis shot to fame when he was the youngest pianist in Africa to be named a Steinway Artist in 2010. He has since embarked on an extraordinary international career working simultaneously as classical and jazz pianist, illuminating the music of from Bach to Billie Joel for a new generation of listeners. Charl made headlines when he became the first pianist ever to perform on top of Table Mountain and when he was invited to perform at the opening of Steinway Hall, Beijing in 2017. Also a recording artist, Charl has released five albums and two DVDs. He is a Doctor of Music and has lectured all over the world.

In support of developing and growing local talent,  a 10-minute pre-show will showcase the Affies String Quartet featuring Devon Marneweck (violin), Gerhard du Preez (violin),  Rudolf Smit (viola) and Wentzel Lotriet (cello).  These young musicians will play “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from the Peer Gynt Suite, Op.46 Nr.1 by Edvard Grieg and the “Radetzky Mars”, Op.228 by Johan Strauss Snr.

“We thank every patron for supporting Aardklop Aubade and the talented local artists featured in this concert series.” says Aardklop Kunstefees CEO, Alexa Strachan, who added;  “Going from strength to strength, Aardklop Aubade  is filling  an enormous void for classical performers and audiences alike. Please keep supporting us in our continued efforts to keep the arts in our country alive and well!”

The 1920 restaurant is open for pre-concert and post-concert snacks or a light luncheon underneath the beautiful trees on the school grounds!

In line with COVID-19 regulations, seating is limited.  To avoid disappointment, book online now at www.ticketpros.co.za. All COVID-19 health and safety protocols are strictly adhered to. Masks covering nose and mouth must be worn at all times.

For further information, visit here or email navrae@aardklop.co.za or keep up to date on social media.

Social media: #Aardklop #AardklopAubade  #affies

Aardklop Nasionale Kunstefees:

Phenye Modiane

Charl du Plessis

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