Years
2019 2018
Stefan Velkov Guitar Recital
2018-04-19

19 April 2018

Odeion

19:30

Bulgarian-born Stefan Velkov was introduced to music since earliest childhood. His official training in music theory, piano and guitar started at the age of seven.

Stefan received his first music degree as a guitar and light music performer from the Bulgarian State Conservatoire (later renamed to Bulgarian Academy of Music). At this stage (the late seventies of the 20th century) the guitar in Bulgaria was still regarded mostly as a light-music instrument. That is why it was included as a study subject only within the Light Music Department of the Conservatoire. The interest and the knowledge of the classical guitar was still at its infancy, but its popularity was growing fast. This made it necessary for the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture to make a historic decision: for the first time in Bulgarian music history, a decision was made to send a young Bulgarian guitarist to Germany to receive a proper music degree in classical guitar and to return to Bulgaria and introduce classical guitar as a subject at the Bulgarian Academy of Music.

After competing with all the most talented guitarists of the country, Stefan won the competition which enabled him to receive a master's degree in classical guitar from the Berliner Hochschule fur Musik Hanns Eisler. He completed his studies in guitar, piano and composition with a special reward of the Hochshule as one of the five best students. During his studies he also won the competition for the best guitar composition.

During his studies abroad (1981 - 1988) Stefan met and had masterclasses with most of the best guitar professors and guitar maestros of our time: Maria-Livia Sao Marcos (Switzerland/ Brazil), Costas Cotsiolis (Greece), Dieter Kreidler (Germany) and Leo Brouwer (Cuba).

In 1986 he was appointed as the first classical guitar lecturer at the Bulgarian Academy of Music and chairperson of the guitar festivals and competitions. This was the time when his own active concert career began. Stefan's repertoire includes most of the great masterpieces ever written for this instrument, but he became more and more known for his own compositions for guitar which, according to critics, outshine the best known masterpieces created for classical guitar.

Stefan’s arrival in SA (1991), coincided with the search of the Free State Musicon for a qualified guitar lecturer in order to introduce the subject classical guitar as part of its music training programme. He was offered the position of senior guitar lecturer at the Musicon which he holds until present day. During this time he also taught at the University of the Free State (1992 - 1999).

Stefan has given concerts in Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, England and South Africa.

PROGRAMME

  • Velkov: Summer Dream
    From the golden heritage of the classical guitar:
    • Villa-Lobos: Prelude
  • Two Magnificent Arpeggios
    • Giuliani
    • Brower
  • Two Romantic Pieces:
    • Velkov: Serenade
    • Velkov: Adagio (The Magic Of Love)
  • Velkov: Bulgarian Suite for Guitar
    • I Bulgarian folk dance
    • II Bulgarian folk-singing
    • III Bulgarian folk dance in 7/8
    • IV Bulgarian folk-song
    • V Bulgarian folk dance in 9/8
  • Velkov: Tango
  • Velkov: Two Modern Dances
  • Velkov: The Wild Horse

ADMISSION

  • R120 (adults)
  • *R80 (pensioners)
  • *R70 (UFS staff)
  • *R50 (students, learners and block bookings of 10+)

Tickets available at Computicket or online at http://online.computicket.com/web/

*Please note that tickets for pensioners, students, learners and UFS staff can only be purchased at a Computicket outlet (Shoprite Checkers) or at the doors since a valid card or ID has to be presented to qualify for the above mentioned discount.

ENQUIRIES
Ninette Pretorius (tel. 051 401 2504)


Back
UFS Department of Music presents A handful of keys

UFS Department of Music presents
A handful of keys
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Sand du Plessis Theatre
19:30

It’s finally here - the multi-award winning show “A Handful of Keys” conceived by well known Ian von Memerty (from “Strictly Come Dancing”).  A dazzling display of music and comedy that will leave you wanting more!

A Handful of Keys is a hilarious two-man piano show that began in 1994 and has to date been seen by more than 300 000 people in more than 850 performances on three continents.  Initially the show starred Ian von Memerty and Bryan Schimmel winning nine awards for best musical production and best performance.  Its second incarnation, starring again Ian von Memerty with Roelof Colyn, followed in 2001.  In 2005 the show tooks on it’s third shining shape starring Roelof Colyn and Jeremy Quickfall.  In 2008 the witty Roelof Colyn paired up with Jonathan Roxmouth in a magical partnership reigniting the show to a sensationally brilliant and entertaining phenomenon. The talented Jonathan is well known for his performances as “Amadeus”, “Buddy”, in “Grease” (as Vince Fontaine) and in “Beauty and the Beast” (as Gaston).

Reviews give an accurate reflection of this unique show: “…masterful, sheer brilliance and creativity.  Sensational from start to finish…” – Daily Dispatch, “…woorde nie genoeg nie – gaan kyk, gaan kyk, gaan kyk.  Dit was uitmuntend, gevolg deur staande applous…” – Die Burger, “The diversity is dazzling, with a firecracker script and two grand pianos played with unparalleled virtuosity…” – Barry Ronge. 

A Handful of Keys is a completely South African product of international standard.  Be prepared for a dazzling display of pianistic virtuosity and hilarious impersonations, constant surprises and wit, with music ranging from the Classical masters such as Bach and Beethoven to Ray Charles, Elton John, Freddy Mercury and Liberace.

This concert is sponsored by the Arts Trust.

Admission:
R100 (adults)
R60 (pensioners, students and learners)
Tickets available at PACOFS (PACOFS ticket office, Mimosa Mall Information desk, Izami florists or phone 051 – 447 7772).

Enquiries:
Ninette Pretorius (tel. 051 - 401 2504)

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