Classical music Head to Helderberg Village on Sunday April 6, to hear this ensemble play Chopin in a concert first.
Image: Staff reporter
The Helderberg Village Music Society is proud to present a concert featuring pianist José Dias and the newly-formed Selene Quartet, joined by bassist Zanelle Britz, on Sunday April 6.
This event, the first concert of its kind for the Helderberg Music Society, marks the first instalment of The Chopin Project, an ambitious musical journey that aims to perform and record Frédéric Chopin’s complete works for piano—an exciting first in the South African classical music scene.
At the heart of this program are Chopin’s two Piano Concertos (Op. 11 and Op. 21), presented in a rare chamber music arrangement for piano and string quintet.
While these works are usually performed with full orchestra, this intimate setting allows each musician to play with remarkable individual expression, enhancing the warmth, lyricism, and virtuosity for which Chopin is celebrated.
José Dias is a Portuguese-born pianist with an impressive international career, and has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious international and local venues.
A sought-after soloist, chamber musician, and vocal accompanist, he has collaborated with renowned artists and led acclaimed productions for Cape Town Opera.
The Selene Quartet is a dynamic new string ensemble composed of young, award-winning musicians: Zoë Coetzee (Violin I), a permanent member of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and a master’s student at Stellenbosch University.
She has won numerous accolades, including top placements in national competitions, and has performed internationally, most notably in Moscow and France.
Catherine Stiff (Violin II), is currently completing her BMus Honours at Stellenbosch University, and has already made a name for herself as a soloist and orchestral leader, playing at Carnegie Hall and performing as co-concertmaster in ensembles across South Africa.
Jana Smit (Viola) is a talented violist and member of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, and has participated in leading chamber music festivals across South Africa and Europe. She has performed in master classes with internationally renowned artists and is an active chamber musician.
Rosamund Roth (Cello) is an accomplished cellist with degrees in both music and literature, and studied in Switzerland, where she performed extensively and taught music. Now a member of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, she also specialises in early music, playing the viola da gamba and baroquecello.
Zanelle Britz (Double Bass) is a seasoned performer with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, and studied in South Africa and the United States, where she trained under top international bassists.
Together, these outstanding musicians promise a performance of rare beauty, redefining Chopin’s works in a fresh and deeply expressive way. This first instalment of The Chopin Project will be followed by a recording later in 2025, marking a historic moment for South African classical music.
Booking is essectial at Quicket, for access to Helderberg Village. The venue is Talani Terrace, at 3.30pm for 4pm, and tickets cost R130. For more information, contact Laurien Comyn at 082 467 0337.