An afternoon of dazzling virtuosity and heartfelt lyricism awaits music lovers in Hermanus this November, when internationally acclaimed South African artists Avigail Bushakevitz (violin) and Jan Hugo (piano) come together for their first collaboration in a programme entitled Much Ado: of Grief, Grace and Gypsies.
The violin and piano recital traces a journey through the emotional and stylistic richness of European music from the classical to the early 20th century.
Opening with Lili Boulanger’s radiant “D’un matin de printemps”, the programme moves to Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s “Much Ado About Nothing Suite, a work full of Viennese charm and cinematic flair.
Mozart’s introspective “Violin Sonata in E minor, K. 304” follows — one of his rare works in a minor key, written during a period of personal loss. Clara Schumann’s Three Romances offer tender lyricism and expressive grace, before the concert concludes with the fiery virtuosity of Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen, a showpiece bursting with gypsy rhythms and passion.
Bushakevitz is a Berlin-based South African violinist celebrated for her expressive artistry and technical brilliance. A graduate of the Juilliard School, she has performed as soloist with major orchestras across South Africa, Israel, and Europe, and currently plays with the Konzerthaus Orchestra Berlin.
A dedicated chamber musician she has toured internationally and appeared at prestigious venues including the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall.
Jan Hugo, also from South Africa, is an award-winning pianist whose career spans Europe and beyond. Trained in Italy, Germany and France, he has performed in leading venues such as Salle Gaveau (Paris), Queen Elizabeth Hall (London) and TivoliVredenburg (Utrecht). A passionate performer on both modern and historical instruments, Hugo recently returned to South Africa as vocal coach at Cape Town Opera after years of performing and teaching in Europe.
This recital marks the debut performance of Avigail Bushakevitz and Jan Hugo as a duo.
Unlike other OAK concerts that usually took place on a Sunday, this performance is sceduled for 15:30 on Saturday 29 November at the Hermanus NG Kerk.
Tickets are R250 (R80 for students) and available from René du Plooy at 082 940 4238 or renedup@telkomsa.net.
