Fearless promoter of multicultural performing arts

1943-2015

UNFLAPPABLE HOST: Weiss Doubell takes a bow in February 2006 after a performance during the silver jubilee of the Pro Musica Theatre ORCHESTRAL conductor and performing arts pioneer Weiss Doubell has died in his beloved adopted town of Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, aged 71.

To arts lovers, Doubell’s name is synonymous with Roodepoort thanks to his close involvement with the Roodepoort Civic Theatre from its inception in 1980 until his retirement in 2008.

It was therefore fitting that the theatre was the venue for a recent well-attended public event commemorating his life and work. For many, the occasion, filled with fine music and familiar faces, was a fond reminder of the countless Sunday matinee concerts Doubell had steered from the podium.

Doubell was born in Smithfield in the Free State, and attended primary and high school there.

Noticing his natural talent, his parents gave him the opportunity to play the piano, organ and violin. Already an accomplished musician when he was called up to join the army, it was a natural step for him to conduct its band and choir.

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from what is today NorthWest University before heading to Germany to study music as well as orchestral and choral direction.

Back in Johannesburg, he established music ensembles such as the Rand Chamber Orchestra and the Rand Afrikaans University Choir. He also managed the Vereeniging Civic Theatre.

Doubell’s pioneering spirit reached fruition when he was appointed the first director of the Roodepoort Civic Theatre, in 1980.

On opening night, few patrons could have guessed that the unflappable host who received them in his immaculate tuxedo had just been rushing around, cleaning the restroom handles to ensure everything was spick and span.

In establishing the Pro Musica Opera Production Company, the Pro Musica Orchestra and the Pro Musica Opera Chorus, Doubell made sure the theatre (later renamed the Pro Musica Theatre) was not just a receiving house. It matured into a fully-fledged producing theatre with a strong emphasis on music and building audiences.

A passionate promoter of young vocalists and instrumentalists, he made sure the theatre’s opera productions and concerts reflected a symbiosis between experienced musicians and debutantes. In his 28 years at the theatre, some 400 opera performances and 500 symphony concerts were presented.

South African music luminaries such as Mimi Coertse and Deon van der Walt performed or made their debuts there, as did international stars such as violinist Nigel Kennedy. Significantly, Doubell took a major risk in 1981 when Angelina Thabane became the first black soprano to perform professionally on a South African theatre stage. The response from some of the powers that be was, to put it mildly, chilly.

Doubell wanted theatre to be for everyone. It was a tragic irony when this disciple of beautiful music lost his hearing soon after his retirement. But his lust for life remained undimmed. He spent his final years continuing to enjoy the arts, books, wine and stimulating company — and adored his grandchildren.

Doubell leaves his wife, Rita, daughters, Cecile and Grethe, and three grandchildren. — Christina Kennedy