Unusual approach will thrill you
2005-04-14
Relda Donaldson
WHEN classically trained pianist Rocco de Villiers performs to music lovers at Simonsvlei on Wednesday 25 May, he has every intention to thrill them with his unusual approach.
“I want to show people that instrumental music belongs on the stage rather than in elevators or in hotel foyers.
“It shouldn’t be background music for eating your prawn cocktail. That’s also why I talk a lot in my shows,” says de Villiers.
“And a great pianist doesn’t have to be a moffie or a nerd. Classical music is played by sexy people now. They have to be; we live in an extremely visual world.”
De Villiers does not stick to classical music either.
For this performance he will spice up traditional Afrikaans folk music to see if they have stood the test of time.
His choice of music reflects his roots in a “normal Afrikaans Free State middle class family”, but his interpretation of the music shows that he was never the “stereotype pianist in a little town where all you saw was crimplene suits”.
He will also play many tangos from South America. “I think that South Africa and South America have many things in common in their histories, but in South America they don’t use euphemisms.
“They are more outspoken, raw and passionate,” says de Villiers.
De Villiers became a legend in his parents’ lounge when he was growing up, mixing drinks for their guests and then playing the piano.
Later he became established as not only a performer, but also a producer, composer, conductor and director.
He launched his solo career in 1997 with the release of his first CD, and coctails, his book “about the fantastical world of cocktails” published in 2000, has proved very popular.
“People thought I was a barman who played the piano,” says de Villiers.
He toured with an accompanying production, but of his current tour he says, “it is about the music; I want to show people that instrumental music can be very powerful”.
Rocco de Villiers will perform at the Paragon wine cellar on Wednesday 26 May at 19.30 pm. Tickets are R70, and although available at the door, they are limited.
For bookings, contact Lynette at 082-418-4748 or 863-3040. In addition to a cocktail demonstration by Rocco before the concert, copies of his latest CD will also be on sale.
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