Olde 'n New Music Recitals: DUO ZAPPA MAINOLFI

FROM ITALY, A SPECIAL RECITAL SUNDAY 6TH MARCH: THE DUO ZAPPA MAINOLFI

If you haven't booked yet don't delay. Tickets have been flying! Saul Bamberger of Olde ‘n New will be hosting a fantastic recital on Sunday 6th of March. This is going to be very special! So much so that I couldn't pass-up the opportunity.

Mattia Zappa (Cello) and Massimiliano Mainolfi ( Piano) of Italy will be performing.

They will be performing works by Sibelius, a beautiful Brahms Sonata for Cello and Piano, an Intermezzo by Grieg and Le Grand Tango by Piazzola.

The Duo Zappa Mainolfi, who have appeared several times at Carnegie Hall as well as other prestigious international venues, will be performing at Olde'n'New as part of their South African tour. Massi and Matti have played at Olde'n'New before to huge acclaim. Their repertoire is astoundingly varied, vast and accomplished . They also involve themselves in enrichment projects in South Africa and are met with affection by all who know them.

They are two of my most treasured musicians and friends and a perfect choice as the last musicians to play at '' the ol' place"

Their website address is www.duozappamainolfi.com

You simply have to be there!!!!

Here are the details:
DATE: Sunday 6th March.
TIME: 3:30 for 4:00 pm
PRICE: R120 pp. Including refreshments.
VENUE: Olde'n'New,Cnr Stanley (Empire Rd Extension) and Cedar Avenues, Aucklandpark.
R.S.V.P by return of email to saulb@polka.co.za For enquiries call 083 414 0041
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NIGHT DRIVE World Premiere sets scene for SA movie release.

The World Premiere event of local slasher film, NIGHT DRIVE, held on Thursday 3rd February, had over 600 of the industry’s elite executives, A-list celebrities and cast members abuzz and has become one of the most talked about events of 2011 thus far, ahead of the movie's release this Friday, 4th March 2011.

Guests met at Jo’burg’s hottest nightclub Latinova in Rosebank, they sipped on cocktails while their anticipation grew, knowing any minute they would be whisked away to a secret screening location of the film. Excitement escalated as specially branded Night Drive double-decker busses pulled up, courtesy of the Gauteng Film Commission, and escorted by the metro police the guests traveled like true VIPs to The Zone in Rosebank, where they where greeted with cosmopolitan cocktails created by The Zone’s Liquid Chefs. This set the perfect tone for the uniqueness of Night Drive, a south African film with international distribution, its world wide premiere executed on home soil as unique as the film itself.

Featuring an all-star cast and set against the backdrop of a bushveld game reserve, the new South African slasher film, Night Drive, will open on 4 March.

Released by independent distributor Indigenous Film Distribution, Night Drive was written and directed by AFDA graduate and award-winning short film director, Justin Head. He says: “Night Drive had its genesis when The Film Factory was toying with the idea of a horror film set in the bush, an environment for which I have a great love. Coupled with that, the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew made the film a wonderful project.”

The film stars Christopher Beasley, known to South African audiences as bad boy Len Cooper in the popular soap Isidingo, for which he has received three best actor nominations. He is also an accomplished stage actor and stuntman. Corine du Toit starred in Egoli and Getroud Met Rugby. She has also appeared in many commercials, both locally and internationally. Greg Melvill-Smith, one of the country’s most respected actors, has starred in many theatre productions, major television series, as well as numerous feature films, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Mr Bones, Drum, The Bang Bang Club, and the international hit, District 9. Yule Masiteng has appeared in drama series Mzansi, and stars as the sly conman Jomo Zungu in Scandal!. He also has several international television series and films to his credit. Brandon Auret is best known for his role as Dup (Leon du Plessis in Isidingo: the Need), but has since moved on into film and has starred in District 9, The Race-ist and Winnie. He has also starred in several local musical productions and is well known in theatre world.

Night Drive is a gritty, nail-biting thriller-slasher set in the unforgiving South African bush. While out on a night safari an eclectic mix of tourists are left stranded when their vehicle breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Local folklore speaks of the Hyena Man, a ruthless criminal mastermind notorious for heading up a well-armed, well-trained group of poachers on the hunt for not only animal’s and animal body parts but also for human being’s, dead or alive! As a series of terrifying events unfold, they realize wild animals are the least of their worries, folk lore becomes reality and their deepest fears unfold as the fight for survival begins.

Night Drive releases around the country on Friday 4th March in the following cinemas:

Gauteng
MonteCasino, Fourways
Festival Mall, Kempton Park
The Zone, Rosebank
Maponya Mall, Soweto
Key West, Krugersdorp
Zambezi Mall, Pretoria
Sterland, Pretoria

Kwa-Zulu Natal
Pavillion, Durban

Western Cape
Canal Walk, Cape Town
Parow, Cape Town

In celebration of Night Drive’s release, the celebrity cast will be attending various screenings of the movie and doing autograph signings: Please keep up to date by visiting the Night Drive facebook page on http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150096488336651&id=669536650#!/pages/Nightdrive/65747453472


Friday, 4 March
12h30 - 13h30 Soweto – Soweto Campus Shavathon
Leroy Gopal (Augustino)

Friday, 4 March
18h00 – 19h30 The Zone @ Rosebank
Christopher Beasley (Sean Darwin)
Kenneth Fok (Chang)
Tema Sebopedi (The Refugee)

Saturday, 5 March
12pm – 1pm Westgate Shavathon
Greg Melvill-Smith (Jack Darwin)
Tema Sebopedi (The Refugee)

Saturday 5 March
12h30 – 13h30 Clearwater Mall Shavathon
Brandon Auret (Ian)
Jennifer Steyn (Cynthia Darwin)

Sunday 6 March
15h00 – 16h00 MonteCasino Nu Metro Foyer
Greg Melvill-Smith (Jack Darwin)
Brandon Auret (Ian)
Corine Du Toit (Karen)
Antonio David Lyons (Denzel)

Tuesday, 8 March
18h00 – 19h00 Maponya Mall, Soweto
Antonio David Lyons (Denzel)


The Premiere was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of : The Zone, Liquid Chefs, Latinova and Itec Central.

For more information visit the official NIGHT DRIVE website at: http://www.nightdrivemovie.com
The NIGHT DRIVE Trailer can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipNEdQfOPuk
To whet your appetite, here are some behind the scenes interviews to enjoy:
Behind the Scenes part 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUT0lnWxyUA
Behind the Scenes part 2 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8zF9GDriyE&feature=related

NIGHT DRIVE : Some things are worse than dying.... Terror has a new destination

Drag Cabaret Extra-Ordinaire: The Fantabulous Cooky Cups!

A fantastic night filled with laughter and suspense is being presented by Coffee @ Capital, a quaint little restaurant and coffee house in Capital Park, Pretoria’s own little art hub. On stage will be the well known Artists of Drag, the Cooky Cups. Known for their “tongue in cheek” performances they have performed all over South Africa.

Holding their own on stage, or opening for the likes of Karin Zoid, they will entertain you with their witty renditions of old favourites. This of course will al be done in the style of Drag Performing. Joining forces with the duo will be the well known ruler of gossip, Eagan Williams.

Coffee @ Capital is decorated in a style reminiscent of the past, very relaxing to the soul. Get away from the mad rush and come and enjoy a relaxing night, easing you slowly into the weekend.

The combination of the Venue, the Drag Artists, and the friendly personal promises to deliver a night to remember.

Revisiting some old favourites, as requested, the Cookies will entertain the trusty followers, and introduce their magic and wit to some new patrons as well on the night. Known as Dame Crystal Chandelier and Mistress Tilly Tittelation the duo will surely make the eyebrows lift and the laughing muscles work overtime.

Show takes place on Friday the 11th March 2011 at Coffee@Capital in Pretoria.
196 Venter Street, Capital Park

Show starts at 20:00 and includes a light dinner and dessert.
R150 pp, booking essential as there is limited space available.
Cash bar.
Join us early, when the night is but a baby!

PHOTOS: The Cooky Cups

Contact : Organizers
: Jaco Strydom 082 564 4243 E-mail Strydoj2@telkom.co.za
: Louis du Plessis 083 593 6238 E-mail 0837086498@mtnloaded.co.za
: Event Venue: Coffee @ Capital
BOOKINGS:
Emmarentia 012 325 7818

A fantastic night filled with laughter and suspense is being presented by Coffee @ Capital, a quaint little restaurant and coffee house in Capital Park, Pretoria’s own little art hub. On stage will be the well known Artists of Drag, the Cooky Cups. Known for their “tongue in cheek” performances they have performed all over South Africa.

Holding their own on stage, or opening for the likes of Karin Zoid, they will entertain you with their witty renditions of old favourites. This of course will al be done in the style of Drag Performing. Joining forces with the duo will be the well known ruler of gossip, Eagan Williams.

Coffee @ Capital is decorated in a style reminiscent of the past, very relaxing to the soul. Get away from the mad rush and come and enjoy a relaxing night, easing you slowly into the weekend.

The combination of the Venue, the Drag Artists, and the friendly personal promises to deliver a night to remember.

Revisiting some old favourites, as requested, the Cookies will entertain the trusty followers, and introduce their magic and wit to some new patrons as well on the night. Known as Dame Crystal Chandelier and Mistress Tilly Tittelation the duo will surely make the eyebrows lift and the laughing muscles work overtime.

Show takes place on Friday the 11th March 2011 at Coffee@Capital in Pretoria.
196 Venter Street, Capital Park

Show starts at 20:00 and includes a light dinner and dessert.
R150 pp, booking essential as there is limited space available.
Cash bar.
Join us early, when the night is but a baby!


PHOTOS: The Cooky Cups

Contact : Organizers
: Jaco Strydom 082 564 4243 E-mail Strydoj2@telkom.co.za
: Louis du Plessis 083 593 6238 E-mail 0837086498@mtnloaded.co.za
: Event Venue: Coffee @ Capital
BOOKINGS:
Emmarentia 012 325 7818

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Christina Nassif - Carmen - Opera Africa

Globally acclaimed not only for her “powerful and expressive voice” but for her “electric stage presence” (The Washington Post on her Vitellia with Washington National Opera), Cristina Nassif is establishing herself as one of the finest singing actresses on the operatic stage. Her 2009/2010 engagements include her international debut as Carmen at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Strauss’s Four Last Songs with the McLean Symphony, Countess Almaviva with Opera Delaware, soloist in Opera New Jersey’s Concerts in the Park Series, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Buffalo Philharmonic and Virginia Symphony, LyricFest’s Biography in Music – Shakespeare, Donna Elvira with the Virginia Opera, a solo program of operatic arias with the Al Bustan Festival in Beirut, Lebanon as well as a revival of Carmen at London’s O2 Arena. She is currently performing Donna Elvira with Opera North.

Ms. Nassif’s operatic repertoire also includes Violetta, Nedda, Musetta, Rosina, Alice Ford, Pamina, Despina and Tatiana, among others, with audiences and critics alike praising her performances with the Washington National Opera, London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Shanghai Opera Orchestra, Shenzhen Symphony, Virginia Opera, Shreveport Opera, Piedmont Opera, Opera Tampa, Opera Delaware, Virginia Symphony, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Pan-American Symphony Orchestra, Wichita Grand Opera, Central City Opera, and Opera Theater of Pittsburgh.

Equally at home on the concert stage, Ms. Nassif has been hailed for the distinct quality of her voice, her charismatic stage presence and her innate ability to sincerely communicate music and text. In addition to a Chinese Concert tour, Ms. Nassif has performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Zankel Hall, the Concert Hall, Terrace Theater and Millenium Stage of The Kennedy Center, the Austrian Embassy (as part of Washington, DC’s Embassy Series) and D.C.’s Lisner Auditorium, among other places. Among those selected from the Montserrat Caballé International Competition and Masterclasses, Ms. Nassif performed in the closing concert in the Sala Mozart del Auditorio de Zaragoza, Spain. Other concert highlights include Mahler’s Des Knaben Wunderhorn, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Lobgesang, Duende!, an all Spanish solo recital sponsored by the International Poetry Forum in Pittsburgh, PA and most recently Pasión por la Zarzuela at Carnegie Hall, celebrating the beauty of Spain's musical tradition.

Of Spanish and Lebanese descent and the daughter of two musicians, Ms. Nassif began her vocal training with her mother, mezzo-soprano Cristina Herrera de Nassif, and the two have shared the concert stage with father/pianist, Dr. Thomas Nassif. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Maryland and an Artist Diploma from The Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. While there, she began working with her current teacher, Bill Schuman.

Her competition credits include the Rosa Ponselle All Marylanders Competition’s Gold Medallion, the Marjorie Lawrence International Vocal Competition’s First Place Prize, the International Vocal Competition of Bilbao’s Critic’s Choice Award and the Gerda Lissner International Competition’s First Place Prize.

Taking opera from the stage to the people

Shoppers at Soweto’s Maponya Mall were today treated to excerpts from Opera Africa’s forthcoming production Carmen, which features a stellar line-up of South African and international singing and artistic talent.

Carmen came to Soweto to give residents a small taste of what to expect from Bizet’s ever-popular opera with its gorgeous music and exquisite sets and costumes, to be staged at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria from 18 to 26 March and at the Joburg Theatre from 1 to 10 April.

American stars Cristina Nassif (who plays Carmen, the flirtatious gypsy who causes all the trouble) and Noah Stewart (who plays Don José, the dashing but naive young soldier who falls for her fatal charms) were on hand to chat to the crowds and sing selected arias from the opera. Joining them were international stage director James Marvel and conductor Tim Myers, who enthusiastically came on board to help take South African opera from the stage to the people.

South African talents Kelebogile Boikanyo, Rouel Beukes, Joey Masemola, Phenye Modiane and the Opera Africa Chorus also dazzled onlookers with their superb singing and obvious enjoyment at meeting and greeting existing and potential opera lovers from the broader Soweto community.

This mini-performance at Soweto’s premier shopping centre forms part of Opera Africa’s ongoing outreach and audience development programme, which aims to introduce new audiences to the magic of opera. Some of the opera company’s existing initiatives include offering affordable rates for schools, retirement homes and under-resourced communities; as well as the Opera Africa Studio which identifies aspiring young vocal talents and hones and refines their professional skills.

Set in the Spanish bullfighting hub of Seville in the 19th century, Carmen is a story of passion, betrayal and explosive sexual politics that remains one of the enduring favourites in the international repertoire. This lavish production – in French with English surtitles – will see a first-rate multi-national cast perform, accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Booking is open at Computicket. For more details, phone (011) 883 4189 or visit www.operaafrica.co.za.

JPO - 2nd & 3rd March, First Symphony Season 2011

Wednesday 2 & Thursday 3 March



Bernhard Gueller conductor
RESPIGHI Antiche danze ed arie ( Ancient Airs and Dances ): Suite1
MOZART Piano Concerto, No.9, K.271, E-flat major (Jeunehomme)
BIZET Symphony No.1, C major
Natalia Lavrova piano

STRICTLY TAP DANCE FEVER

Get ready to be dazzled! For the first time in South Africa and direct from their smash UK Tour, the adrenalin-driven STRICTLY TAP DANCE FEVER took to the stage exclusively at The Mandela at JoBurg Theatre from last week to March 6th 2011. The audience loved the production and danced in the aisles as the final curtain came down.

Brought to Johannesburg by Spirit Productions - the people that brought us two of Joburg Theatre’s highest-grossing and most popular shows of the past decade: SPIRIT OF THE DANCE and LE GRAND CIRQUE, - the internationally renowned cast in this tap dance sensation takes the audience on a whistle stop roller-coaster ride of the greatest tap dance moments in show business history.

South African ‘super-celebrity’ and African Tap and Modern Dance Champion for seven straight years, the very glamorous AMOR VITTONE also makes a nightly guest appearance – and, I must say, that however much I have loathed her performances and lack of class in the past, in this show she is brilliant! Good for you Amor and watch her dust Joost! She couldn’t be yours, she’s is way too big for you now!

Starting in the era when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were the stars of the day, the show tap dances its way through history, thrilling and exciting audiences with the vibrant tap dance styles that entertained generations through the ages! Featuring fantastic musical classics mashed with modern day beat, these taps build with energy and spectacle. Acapella tap sounds can be heard as the show opens and - as the taps build - so does the energy and spectacle. Soon you discover there is so much more than tap to this show: swing, jive and sensational singers add to the cocktail of pure showbiz heaven.

Joining the cast of the show at the JoBurg Theatre is crowd favourite, SIMON SCHOFIED. This singer thrilled audiences as part of The Twelve Tenors in February 2010 and proved so popular with those who saw him perform, that he was invited to return to South Africa in May to record the main love theme for the popular local teen movie, BAKGAT! 2 which was released to great success in September.

Says Simon "I fell in love with South Africa and its people during my first visit to your wonderful country a year ago, and even then I planned to return as often as my schedule allowed. I'm thrilled to be able to join the cast of Strictly Tap Dance Fever so that I can once again experience the joy of performing for JoBurg Theatre audiences. It is great to re-connect with this enthusiastic audience again every night."

Joining Simon on stage to divide the vocals is the talented JON HAWKINS and impressive LARA DENNING.

To date, Amor Vittone, has released six albums; Wild Cherry Kisses (1998), Dance in Colours (2000), Young Forever (2002), amor (2005), Voluit (2006) and Glo Altyd Aan More (2009). The Voluit Afrikaans album enjoyed Gold Status in South Africa.

In 2007, Amor was nominated for a South African Music Award (SAMA) in the category ‘Best Afrikaans Pop Album’. She was nominated for People Magazine’s Crystal Award in the category ‘Hottest SA Artist’ in 2007, a Tempo Music Award in the category ‘Favourite SA Female Artist’, and Voluit Lewe was nominated as ‘Favourite Song of the Year’. In the Vonk Musiektoekennings in 2007, Amor was nominated as ‘Best Female Artist.’

“I am very honoured and excited to be part of this show,” says Amor. “I started off my career in theatre, so returning to my first passion, which is tap dancing, is wonderful. I’m looking forward to be working with an international choreographer and director and appreciate the opportunity I have been given to get back on the stage where I belong.”

Amor is also currently presenting her own radio show on Jacaranda 94.2fm, between 10am and 2pm on Sundays.

Performances of STRICTLY TAP DANCE FEVER must close on Sunday March 6th 2011.

The show runs Tuesdays - Fridays at 20h00, Saturdays at 15h00 and 20h00 and Sundays at 16h00. Tickets are from R170 and are available at Computicket – call (011) 340 8000 / 083 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com.

Special discounted ticket prices are available for groups of ten or more – call Joburg Theatre on (011) 877 6854.

To whet your appetite, view a taste of what to expect : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r92H4edQDs

STRICTLY TAP DANCE FEVER is presented in South Africa in association with M-Net and Jacaranda 94.2fm.