Top soprano for PE concert

CLASSICAL music lovers can look forward to "a romantic rendezvous" by award-winning Cape Town soprano Vanessa Tait-Jones at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's South Campus auditorium on Sunday.

Port Elizabeth-based clarinetist Gareth Williams and Dutch pianist Jeroen Roffel will also render performances.

These top musicians will be playing a romantic blend of vocal and instrumental music ranging from Schubert, Spohr, Mendelssohn to Mozart.

Concert director Williams said: "I had actually never heard Vanessa sing up until about three weeks ago when we had our first rehearsal in George. We were looking for a young, vibrant and talented performer and at the recommendation of friends and colleagues, Vanessa fitted the profile.

"But I think, more importantly, she was open to the idea of a new and exciting project and she is really easy to work with and that was great," Williams said.

Roffel said: "Any moment when music and emotion unify themselves in the flow of sound between performers is unique.

"In any rehearsal or concert, musicians attempt to find that expression between themselves, and in that sense, working with both Gareth and Vanessa has been extremely rewarding, especially having had the chance to access the depth of the music with them."

Tait-Jones regularly performs as a soloist in various concerts and oratorio performances.

The part-time singer, who is also a lecturer at Stellenbosch University and a voice rehabilitation facilitator, said she was very privileged to be joining two outstanding musicians in Williams and Roffel.

Tait-Jones said besides being a professional singer and teacher, what made her versatile was that she also offered singing voice rehabilitation.

She will also host a workshop at NMMU on Saturday.

"Two Tone music approached me for this workshop and concert as I am comfortable in offering both in one weekend, having a passion for educating and empowering singers and also a great love to be on stage.

"I hope all singers serious about their art will make an effort to attend these sessions, she said. "Vocal health and a proper understanding of the 'singing instrument' [your body and larynx] is essential for every singer.

"That is because this ensures the best and most healthy way to produce voice," Tait-Jones said.

The concert has been organised by Two Tone Music, the NMMU School of Music and the Department of Arts and Culture.

The concert starts at 3pm on Sunday.

It is in aid of the Sihlangule Aids Networking Organisation that will be channelling support to the Lukhanyiso Preprimary School.

Tickets cost R80 (R50 for students and pensioners) and can be purchased at the door.

For more information, contact Two Tone Music at 071889-2203.