GRAAFF-REINET NUUS - Christopher Culpo, an American-born, French citizen and acclaimed performer and composer, has let his hair grow long in preparation for his visit to South Africa.
Reason being? He has a favoured barber on the main street of Nieu-Bethesda whom he plans to visit for the overdue haircut. "I am very faithful," he says.
Culpo and his South African wife, Anne Graaff, live in France. He has performed on stages all over the world. Working at the cutting edge of contemporary classical music, jazz, and free improvisation, Culpo has written chamber and symphonic music, vocal and opera, for dance and theatre, and composed and improvised music for the film.
After two long years of non-travel, imposed by the Covid-19-pandemic, this innovative musician and his wife are back in South Africa.
They will be visiting the family's home in Nieu-Bethesda. Visual artist Graaff is also known for her lobbying and support for the Owl House, the remarkable creation of 'outsider' artist Helen Martins.
Culpo's visit to the Karoo provides the Graaff-Reinet community with the opportunity for an incredible evening of jazz music.
This coming Friday 25 February, Culpo will be performing a solo piano concert at the Rupert Theatre. Jazz lovers can expect a programme all "Duke' Ellington," he says. "I have woven pieces composed by Duke Ellington into one tapestry of music. It will be an immersive, escapist experience."
Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Ellington and Culpo. It will be unforgettable.
The performance takes place at the John Rupert Theatre, Parsonage Street. Doors will open at 18:00 and the performance starts at 18:30 with an approximate duration of an hour.
Covid protocols will be in place.
Tickets for the performance at R100 are available from GRT Tourism Office. Discounted tickets are available for community organisations and schools, on request. Call 049 892 4248 for queries.
The Bavarian Restaurant has a special offer for patrons after the performance - a burger, chips and a beverage for R100. Vouchers for this meal must be purchased from the Tourism Office before the event.
For a foretaste visit the YouTube link for Culpo's performance of Duke Ellington's Prelude to a Kiss - with artwork by Anne Graaff, with whom he frequently collaborates. Or visit the Advertiser's website to access the video link.
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