DIEMERSFONTEIN’S rustic packstore resonated to the velvety tones of an international award-winning South African baritone during an opera/lighter music concert double bill last weekend, which also featured pride of Paarl – Lynelle Kenned, a young soprano who recently qualified in opera studies at UCT.
Main performer was Njabulo Madlala, KZN-born and UK-trained baritone who recently won the Kathleen Ferrier award for the best young singer, and who sang works of Richard Strauss, Robert Schumann as well as South African folk songs.
He has been working with Diemersfontein’s owners David and Sue Sonnenberg on the “Excellence out of Africa Trust” – their project to assist South African performers of excellence to develop their careers and travel internationally for training and competition entry. The trust also brought from Durban for this occasion, two young choir singers, Aubrey Pato and Thandeka Ndlovu, who had never before sung solo – they were received rapturously and much discussion was held regarding the “undiscovered diamonds” of talent that lie buried in our land.
“Not a dry eye in the audience,” said Sue Sonnenberg – “this is everything we have hoped for in running this programme.
Saturday evening’s accompanist was Prof Kamal Khan from UCT Opera School, and Sunday’s lighter programme (including Lloyd Webber favorites) was accompanied by popular pianist Albert Combrink
Diemersfontein hopes to stage several concerts this year. Guests are invited to a glass of wine on arrival, lunch or dinner after the concerts and a stay over if needed. Whilst a focus on opera and classical singing will be maintained, some jazz events will be included.
Music lovers who would like to be notified about events should email online@diemersfontein.co.za.
