Hermann-Lietz School - Haubinda
Westville Girl's High School, Durban, South Africa
Phorms Süd
PERFORMANCES
CLASSICAL
International Summer Academy Mozarteum Salzburg (1978–1981)
During the early stages of my career, I had the unique opportunity to refine my musical artistry at the Internationale Sommerakademie der Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Mozarteum in Salzburg. Between 1978 and 1981, I participated in the prestigious piano masterclasses led by Winfried Wolf, a celebrated pianist and pedagogue, supported by his assistant Anneliese Wolf. These formative courses were a pivotal period for my development, offering an immersive experience in advanced piano repertoire and performance.
Each summer session concluded with public performances held at the Wiener Saal, a venue of historical and artistic significance renowned for showcasing classical music excellence. Under Winfried Wolf’s expert mentorship, I tackled repertoire that ranged from Romantic to early 20th-century compositions, including the works of Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, and Casella. The experience deepened my interpretative skills and heightened my understanding of technical and expressive nuances.
Notable Performances
In 1980, I performed Chopin’s Étude Op. 10, No. 12, famously known as the "Revolutionary Étude." This technically demanding piece challenged me to blend virtuosic flair with emotional intensity, a hallmark of Chopin's compositions. The following summer, in 1981, I presented Alfredo Casella's Toccata, a piece of 20th-century repertoire renowned for its rhythmic complexity and modernist aesthetic. Mastering Casella's intricate techniques provided me with a deeper appreciation for contemporary pianistic challenges.
International Collaboration
These masterclasses not only refined my technical skills but also offered a vibrant platform for cross-cultural artistic exchange. Sharing the stage with musicians from countries such as Japan, Italy, France, and the United States enriched my perspective and broadened my artistic horizons. This exposure cultivated an appreciation for the diversity of musical interpretation and performance styles, which continues to influence my work as an educator and performer.