The University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) and UJ Arts & Culture will present a unique musical experience bringing beloved classics to life on 6 June. The concert offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience two master performers in a setting as warm and personal as the songs themselves.
Songs You Love: At Home on Stage invites a small audience to join Executive Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture and celebrated baritone Prof Federico Freschi, acclaimed pianist Christopher Duigan, as well as promising young saxophonist Christopher Gous—making a guest appearance—on stage for an intimate and relaxed classical recital.
As a precursor to the popular annual Dean’s Concert fundraiser taking place in November, this special performance presents a selection of popular melodies and piano solos from the world stages of opera, classical repertoire, and musical theatre.
“As we celebrate twenty years of the University of Johannesburg’s journey, I’m struck by how deeply the institution has woven itself into the cultural fabric of our city and nation. What began as an ambitious vision has grown into a vibrant hub where creativity and academic excellence intersect in remarkable ways. Songs You Love: At Home on Stage embodies this spirit, creating an intimate space for connection through music that transcends boundaries,” says Professor Federico Freschi.
Audiences can expect well-loved favourites, sung by the Dean himself, from Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, and My Fair Lady, alongside Neapolitan gems like ’O Sole Mio, and celebrated hits from Cole Porter, Josh Groban, and more. This is an uplifting and engaging programme designed to leave your heart humming and your spirits high.
The recital transforms the performance space into a lounge-style setting with only 80 tickets available. Audience members will be ushered through the stage door and welcomed backstage to enjoy homemade soup and a glass of port before being seated for the performance, in the presence of the majestic UJ Steinway grand piano.
In the same spirit as the annual Dean’s Concert, Songs You Love: At Home on Stage reflects the University of Johannesburg’s and the Dean’s enduring commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and expression, giving voice to countless artists and creating unforgettable moments of shared humanity.
Performance Details:
Date: 6 June
19:00 – 20:00 Backstage on the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre, UJ Arts Centre, Auckland Park
Limited tickets available — only 80 seats!
Click here to purchase your tickets- > https://tinyurl.com/SongsYouLoveUJ
About UJ Arts & Culture
UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni, and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.
In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA (www.uj.ac.za/fada) offers programmes in eight creative disciplines, in Art, Design and Architecture, as well as playing home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art & Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre. The Faculty has a strong focus on sustainability and relevance, and engages actively with the dynamism, creativity, and diversity of Johannesburg in imagining new approaches to art and design education.