Tuesday, July 23, 2013

SUZANNE VEGA LIVE IN SA - 2 November (Paul Cluver) and 3 November (Monte Casino)

Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been labeled contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album with instant hits such as My Name is Luka and Tom's Diner, she has given sold-out concerts in many of the world's best-known halls. In performances devoid of outward drama that nevertheless convey deep emotion, Vega sings in a distinctive, clear vibrato-less voice that has been described as "a cool, dry sandpaper- brushed near-whisper" and as "plaintive but disarmingly powerful."

Bearing the stamp of a masterful storyteller who "observed the world with a clinically poetic eye," Suzanne's songs have always tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and real world subjects. Notably succinct and understated, often cerebral but also streetwise, her lyrics invite multiple interpretations. In short, Suzanne Vega's work is immediately recognizable, as utterly distinct and thoughtful, and as creative and musical now, as it was when her voice was first heard on the radio over 20 years ago.

Now South Africa has the opportunity to experience the talented Ms Vega up close and personal in two very intimate settings.

On Saturday 2 November 2013, she will perform at Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre, the Western Cape's most uniquely special outdoor venue. There are only 600 seats available in the natural forest set inside a nature reserve and every seat is a 'golden circle' seat. Bring your own picnic. Award winning Paul Cluver wines will be for sale. No BYO. Gates open at 5pm, show starts at 7pm. Visit www.cluver.com for more info.

On Sunday 3 November, Johannesburg audiences will get a turn when Suzanne Vega performs at the Teatro at Montecasino. Show starts 6pm. For more details, visit www.montecasino.co.za

Tickets available through Computicket from R200pp.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE AT MONTECASINO - 17 and 18 August

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE AT MONTECASINO

Awe-inspiring athleticism + symphonic sounds = Cirque de la Symphonie!

Charl van Heyningen Enterprises presents Cirque de la Symphonie with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra for two shows only at the Teatro, Montecasino.

Cirque de la Symphonie is a new production, formed to bring the magic of cirque to the concert hall. Aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers and strongmen, including world record holders, gold-medal winners of international competitions and Olympians, perform routines carefully choreographed to both draw from and enhance classical masterpieces and popular contemporary music.

The soundtrack is provided by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (known for their annual seasons at the Linder Auditorium and ZK Matthews Hall, and for accompanying the South African Mzansi Ballet and Opera Africa in their productions), conducted by Theodore Kuchar, one of the most prolifically recorded conductors of the past decade - he has recorded over 90 albums. For the past 15 years, Kuchar has served as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of the Ukraine. He is also Music Director and Conductor of the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra in the United States.

The artists of Cirque de la Symphonie, performing in front of a full orchestra, are the catalyst for an incredible fusion of two great art forms. The aerial athletes and acrobats turn the concert into a three-dimensional entertainment extravaganza. Highlights include different excerpts from Bizet's Carmen, one complemented by ring juggler Vladimir Tsarkov and another by Alexander Streltsov with his spinning frame and cube; Wagner's Ride Of The Valkyries, featuring Sagiv Ben Benyamin's aerial rope work; and Tchaikovsky's Valse from Swan Lake, accompanied by the spectacular aerial gymnastics of Alexander Strelsov and Christine Van Loo (who has performed at the Grammy Awards, the Winter Olympics and the Miss Universe pageant).

The show has been performed to a rapturous applause abroad, with The San Francisco Examiner stating that "Cirque de la Symphonie dazzles and defies death" and Express Milwaukee calling the piece "the most exciting idea to hit the symphonic pops circuit in some time".

Don't take their word for it, though - see Cirque de la Symphonie for yourself in Johannesburg this winter.

Performances 17 August at 8pm and 18 August at 2pm at the Teatro, Montecasino..

Tickets from R250 per person. Book at Computicket (www.computicket.com).


Saturday, July 6, 2013

Brenda Mtambo - Live 4pm on 13 July at SkyRoom Live

Brenda Mtambo - Live 4pm on 13 July at SkyRoom Live
corner Bree and Kruis St Johannesburg
Tickets at the door or via Facebook