Violinist, pianist collaborate for Baroque, Romantic era recital
Violinist Jonathan Buitendag and pianist Jacques du Plessis will be performing a special collaborative show at the Guild Theatre on Tuesday April 9.
Buitendag and his violin are no stranger to the stage, having been a part of many Cambridge High School musical productions, where he is also an accounting and economics teacher.
The duo will be presenting three major works of music by Corelli, Schubert and Schumann.
Corelli is considered the first modern master of the violin, while Schumann’s major works include technically challenging pieces that encapsulate the complexity of human emotions. Schubert is celebrated for his ingenuity in taking the art of writing German lieder to new heights and for the timeless beauty his music engenders.
With works to be performed from all three of these classical giants, the show is not only a celebration of music virtuosity but also makes the genius of the Baroque and Romantic periods of music accessible for a contemporary audience.
“This selection represents a good contrast of styles from Baroque to the more Romantic era. It is a selection of music which we have never performed before, so this is an interesting challenge for us.
“We hope that audiences enjoy the programme as much as we enjoy playing it,” Buitendag said.
Du Plessis has accompanied many instrumentalists with their recitals and believes it will be a wonderful and unique musical experience to share the stage with Buitendag.
“The most rewarding part of accompanying others (in this case, the violin) is sharing a musical experience with another musician, which is priceless. If there are any challenges, it’s the amount of preparation and effort that goes into a one-hour programme,” Du Plessis said.
Buitendag promises the audience a beautiful display of the musical connection he shares with Du Plessis.
“I really hope that they will feel the emotion that we bring across in our performances and leave the theatre enriched by the experience. Music really does feed the soul,” Buitendag said.
Buitendag will soon be involved as a production manager and a drummer in Cambridge High School’s production of Grease.
He will also reunite on stage with Du Plessis at the 16 String Quartet recital alongside Una Driver-Boon and Wendy Benito.
The show will take place on Tuesday April 9 at the Guild Theatre at 7pm. Tickets cost R120 per person and R50 for students, pupils and pensioners.
Tickets are available via WhatsApp on 079-496-0354.