Join us for a spectacular evening of opera and song, as UJ Arts & Culture presents ‘A Grand Night for Singing’. This much anticipated annual event takes place on Saturday 7 September at 19:30. All proceeds are in aid of the Dean’s bursary fund. The Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, baritone Federico Freschi, is joined on stage by internationally acclaimed pianist Christopher Duigan, soprano Lynelle Kenned, mezzo-soprano Violina Anguelov-Hobbs and the renowned UJ Choir.
Now in its fourth 4th season, A Grand Night for Singing is an gala event to raise funds for the Dean’s Bursary Fund established by Professor Federico Freschi, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA). The Fund provides financial assistance to academically deserving, but financially needy students in FADA.
Insert comment from Prof (The importance of helping the missing middle)
The renowned UJ Choir as well as members of the Joburg Ballet will add to the magic of the musical programme curated by Christopher Duigan The UJ Choir is now world champions, after taking gold in both its categories (Mixed Choirs Western music repertoire and Folk Music A Cappella) at the World Choir Games 2018. UJ Choir highlights the combination of talent and resilience found in students who are driven by their passion for excellence.
Pianist Christopher Duigan is Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s leading concert pianists, and has been recognised as a ‘South African piano icon’ and ‘national musical treasure’ (Classic Feel June 2009). He has performed extensively with all leading South African orchestras in a repertoire of more than 25 works for piano and orchestra. Recent major performances include those in Barcelona and at the Latimer Music Festival in England.
Soprano Lynelle Kenned and mezzo-soprano Violina Anguelov-Hobbs join Freschi adding their magnificent voices to this splendid performance.
After completing postgraduate studies in History of Art, baritone Federico Freschi studied towards a Performer’s Diploma in Opera at the UCT College of Music. He subsequently sang with the CAPAB Singers’ Studio, appearing in a number of operas, operettas and musicals. Following a period as an associate professor in History of Art at the University of the Witwatersrand and director of the Goodman Gallery, Cape Town, in January 2013 he was appointed a full professor in, and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at the University of Johannesburg. He maintains a regular concert schedule in collaboration with Christopher Duigan.
Recipient of the KKNK Kunste Onbeperk Young Voice 2019, UCT Opera School graduate Lynelle Kenned is no stranger to the stage. For her portrayal of Maria in “West Side Story” in 2015 she was awarded a Fleur du Cap Award, and the Naledi Award for reprising the role at the Joburg Theatre in 2017. Lynelle is a well-known media personality and TV Presenter after bursting onto the scene as the runner-up in the Top Billing Presenter Search in 2012. Memorable stage areer highlights include performing with Welsh crossover superstar Katherine Jenkins, and receiving master classes with Juilliard’s Brian Zeger.
Bulgarian-born Violina Anguelov-Hobbs made her South African operatic début as Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro with the Cape Town Opera in 1999. Anguelov-Hobbs has performed over 30 leading operatic roles in a multitude of highly acclaimed performances in South Africa, Germany, Bulgaria, Australian and Sweden and has been awarded the Adcock Ingram Music Prize, the Leonard Hall Memorial Prize and Erik Chisholm Prize.
The Dean’s Concert takes place at the UJ Arts Centre on the University of Johannesburg’s Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park. Attendance at the performance is free, but donations to the FADA Executive Dean’s Bursary Fund are encouraged. Booking is essential via www.uj.ac.za/arts or at the door. For more information contact Lakin Morgan-Baatjies lakinmb@uj.ac.za 011559 2690
Audience Responses
Very well organised night out. We had a lot and I look forward to the next one. We will keep on supporting you.
BEATRICE • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
It was a very nice evening, thanks for that
Tzanka • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Always a wonderful event to attend.
Cherylene • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
Always a wonderful event to attend.
Cherylene • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
Always a wonderful event to attend.
Cherylene • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
Exquisite!
Kgabo • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
5
Lynn • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Thanks for a lovely evening of top-class music-making
Emme • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
I was a lovely evening, many thanks
Wayne • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Came as guest of Elaine Bluhm It was excellent and I’m sorry I’ve not known about these events before Barbara J Macdonald Info@SpotThatZebra.co.za
Elaine • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
A wonderful evening and everything went very smoothly. Very sad that Prof Freschi is leaving as he was a genius at putting these programmes together.
Trish • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
It was a most outstanding event. Thank you Prof Freschi for the wonderful initiative.
Lee • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Excellent 5
Ina • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
too short, would have loved it to have been a 3 hour concert. hopefully these events will continue next year. thank you
Barbara • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Lovely, thank you !!!
Petro • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Quality and most enjoyable: 5
Antoinette • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
5 – It was extraordinary, stunning and truly memorable. Thank you.
Bernicre • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
Excellent, i loved every minute of it!
Barbara • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
I loved it. In particular the local talent and our wonderful choir. Keep up with the good work.
Elize • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
I loved it, in particular the local talent. I also love our choir. Keep up with the good work.
Elize • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
a really enjoyable evening with a most touching end and farewell to prof Freschi
Amalie • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.0
Amazing performance. Bravo
Fortunate • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Amazing performance. Bravo
Fortunate • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Wonderful evening with good classical music
Prof Leon and Mrs Vasti • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
It was fantastic. We enjoyed every minute!
Prof Kinta • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
excellent evening, will miss the Dean though
Jacobus • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Another enjoyable evening of music and song.
Glynne • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
5 out of 5. it was a wonderful concert and lovely event!
Les • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
I feel the one from 2018 was better than last night in terms on UJ choir not given enough chance to perform more.
Jacob • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.0
A fabulous event – well done to all who were involved – especially the UJ Choir – they were phenomenal
Belia • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
A fabulous event – well done to all who were involved – especially the UJ Choir – they were phenomenal
Belia • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Brilliant – very entertaining. Am very sorry Prof. Freschi will not be here to do this any more.
Karen • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
What a wonderful evening!! Thanks!
Lianie • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
Outstanding!
Roy • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
every thing was wonderful. the singers were good, the clarinetist even better and the choir could have beengiven more singing time. Thanks for a wonderful evening
Max • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
Great show.
Joachim • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Fantastic! Wonderful mix of well known to lesser known opera, classic, choral – gospel and African style and super instrumental- piano and clarinet. Could not have wished for more. Sad to say goodbye to the multi talented Federico Freschi though!! South Africa keeps bleeding talent!
Carmen • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
It was a lovely evening with the most inspiring musicians and beautiful singing that lifted my spirits. I think in stead of saying it was for free; it would be best if it was mentioned that it’s a fundraising event and a donation is required and funds go to for students that need assistance. Somehow I missed this. Hope you will have something a similar fundraising next year !
adele • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Beyond brilliant!! An amazing evening strewn with great talent!????????????????
Chris • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
I was not aware that it was a fundraising concert. I wanted to invite my high profile friends who could support this wonderful initiative. I had a impression that it was for UJ staff only. Otherwise, it was a great performance, an awesome evening! Thank you.
Nombuso • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
Amazing performances and a beautiful initiative.
Thandiswa • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.0
great entertainment and bittersweet to see Federico Freschi off on his new career
Anitra • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
4.5
It was my first time attending such an event and it definitely will not be my last time. Simply amazing.
Boikanyo • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Very thoughtfully established program. Melodic initial part followed by very best compositions finished by impressive choir. Voices do not need critics. If 5 is in your rating the best, so it is
Magdalena • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
Wonderful singing and a lovely atmosphere.
Brenda • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
It was an Absolute Bliss!!!!!!!!!Well done to Organisers, Performers, Everybody who did take part in preparing and executed this Awesome event!!!!!!!
Nadia • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Thank you for a wonderful evening,
Deirdre • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
Thank you for another splendid evening of beautiful music from such talented musicians. It was such a privilege to hear them. Wishing Prof all the best and much happiness in his new post in New Zealand. He will be sorely missed and the Dean’s concert won’t be the same without him.
Ashley • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
A good mix of songs and piano and clarinet pieces.
Elsebe • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0
A delightful and polished performance. It is always a most pleasant experience to find such professionalism, not only onstage but also by the front of house members, and including those unseen but hardworking backstage stalwarts. An extra star to all! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pieter • Attended Sept. 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
5.0