Music society presents special treat for Bay
Art song recital of Schumann’s ‘Dichterliebe’ set for May performance
A special treat is in store for the city’s music lovers, as the Port Elizabeth Music Society presents an art song recital of Robert Schumann’s complete A Poet’s Love, Dichterliebe Op 48 song cycle in Gqeberha later this month.
Dichterliebe is Schumann’s best-known cycle with lyrics written by famous German poet Heinrich Heine in the 1800s.
Port Elizabeth Music Society president Erika Bothma said she had arranged the event for the pure pleasure of music lovers and it would be held at Savages Fine Food, St George’s Park, on Sunday May 22 at 11 for 11.30am.
“It is the first time that this famous song cycle will be performed in Gqeberha,” Bothma said. The cycle will be performed by baritone James van der Merwe and pianist Hanlie Young.
Lionel van Zyl will host a brief discussion of the art song and Schumann’s Dichterliebe.
Born in Gqeberha, Van der Merwe was raised in the music and theatre world.
For as long as he could remember, he had been enthralled by the creative arts, he said.
The Nelson Mandela University final-year BMus student started his music education when he was eight years old and, apart from being a proficient saxophonist, has a true passion for the dramatic arts.
He also holds a performer’s licentiate in singing from Trinity College London.
Young obtained her BMus Ed degree and church organist diploma from the University of Stellenbosch and holds an honours degree in music education from Unisa.
She also obtained the licentiate in vocal accompaniment through Unisa.
Young received training from well-known pianist John Antoniadis and organist Neil Pauw.
She acted as accompanist and organist for the Eastern Cape Youth Choir and the Eastern Cape Children’s Choir (including two overseas tours) and, in 2006 and 2008, handled the accompaniment for two operas staged by NMU’s music department.
In 2008 and 2009, she accompanied choirs during television recordings of local regional choirs for SABC2 and is now head of the music department at Summerwood Primary School.
Recently retired as senior lecturer in voice from NMU’s music department, Van Zyl is the conductor of the Eastern Cape Children’s Choir and previously conducted the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir.
In 2000, he was nominated for the Mayor’s Citizen of the Year Award in the youth work and music category.
He also received a special award from the ATKV for his engagement in the performing arts in Gqeberha.
In 2007, he was awarded an Achiever’s Award by the Eastern Cape department of arts and culture for his work with the Eastern Cape Children’s Choir and, in 2011, was a finalist in The Herald General Motors Citizen of the Year Awards in the sports, arts and culture category.
Van Zyl holds a MMus in choral conducting, a Dip Mus in music education and a teacher’s licentiate in piano.
The artists will also perform songs by Franz Schubert, Benjamin Britten, Stephanus le Roux Marais and Maurice Ravel as part of the programme.
Entry costs R150 a person inclusive of coffee, tea or a cooldrink on arrival, and a light lunch.
‘Dichterliebe’ is Schumann’s best-known cycle and it is also the first time it will be performed in Gqeberha