Launched in 2016 in support of a bursary established by Professor Federico Freschi, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA), in aid of academically deserving but financially needy students in FADA, this gala concert brings together distinguished musicians and rising stars and in 2018 joined by the UJ Choir and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC).
The Dean’s Concert is proudly presented by UJ Arts & Culture (a division of FADA), and will take place at the Art Centre Theatre on the University of Johannesburg’s Kingsway Campus on Saturday, 3 November. In addition to being the Dean of FADA, Prof Freschi is an accomplished baritone, who studied opera at the UCT College of Music, and has sung principal roles in a number of operas, operettas and musicals. He continues a concert career with renowned pianist Christopher Duigan, who will be joining him on stage. The award-winning UJ Choir, conducted by Renette Bouwer, and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC) will also perform.
Christopher Duigan has performed extensively with all major South African orchestras, and has appeared on national and international festivals and stages in a repertoire of more than 25 compositions for piano and orchestra. In recital he has developed a wide national following through his innovative presentation and programming.
The Dean’s Concert is free, but audience members are encouraged to make a donation to the Dean’s Bursary Fund in support of deserving students in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.