GRAAFF-REINET ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - A programme featuring two world-class performers will be presented at the John Rupert Theatre on 22 November, and it promises to be one of the cultural highlights of the year.
Soprano Laetitia Grimaldi and her fiancé, pianist Ammiel Bushakevitz, played at the theatre in April 2016. They have since performed in spectacular theatres in cities all over the world.
"We would love to have a full house for their concert," said acting chairperson of the theatre, Rose Wright, adding that it is the last event at the theatre for the year.
Born in France, Laetitia spent her childhood in Lisbon and London. After beginning her vocal studies with Teresa Berganza, she continued her education with Lorraine Nubar at the Manhattan School of Music, followed by a master's degree from the Juilliard School.
In 2017, she was awarded first prize in three international competitions: the International Singing Competition in Montreal, Canada; the Robert Massard International Singing in Bordeaux, France; and at the Pro Musicis International Music Competition in Paris.
Ammiel Bushakevitz was born in Jerusalem and grew up in George.
He performs regularly at notable venues across the world, with upcoming performances in London's Wigmore Hall, Berlin's Konzerthaus, the Shanghai Concert Hall and the Salle Pleyel in Paris.
His awards include the European Union Commission Award, the DAAD International Scholarship for Artists, the Prix de la Ville de Lausanne, Switzerland and the city of Leipzig's Richard Wagner Award.
The programme will be an example of a musical soirée as performed in Paris in the 1920s, with 11 items. "Paris in the 20s was buzzing with cultural life, and one of the most popular places for poets, painters and musicians to meet was in the salon soirées of the French aristocracy," explained Bushakevitz.
Time: 22 November, 6.30pm. Dress code: formal. Tickets: R100, available from the Graaff-Reinet tourism office.
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