Come rain, come storm, music stars shine brightly

The twin threats of a winter rain storm and load shedding did little to dampen the creative spirits of the South African College of Music corps at last night's Vice-Chancellor's Concert in the Baxter Theatre Centre.

A second performance will be held tonight (Thursday 30 July).

The annual event, a plenitude of African music, opera, and jazz, is what Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price called "a small gesture" to staff – and the families who support them – for their vital role at the university.

Sweet song: The UCT Jazz Choir.

The concert was lead by SACM evergreens Dizu Plaatjies, Professor Kamal Kahn (opera), Amanda Tiffin (jazz vocals), and Associate Professor Mike Campbell (acting director of the college), with behind-the-scenes support from William Haubrich and staff in keyboard studies.

But the evening belonged to the school's performers who continue to win awards around the world as students or alumni.

Right notes: (From left) The Opera School's Noluvuyiso Mpofu (soprano), Siyabulela Ntlale (baritone), Danielle Speckman (mezzo-soprano) and Levy Sekgapane (tenor). (Prof Kamal Kahn on piano.)

Last week alumnus Vuyo Sotashe was placed second in the recent Montreux Jazz Festival. And three weeks ago tenor Levy Sekgapane, who sang excerpts from Guiseppe Verdi's Rigoletto last night, won the prestigious International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition 2015 finals, held in Amsterdam.

Another of last night's stars, soprano Noluvuyiso Mpofu (who also sang excerpts from Rigoletto), recently won a third place in the women's section of Operalia 2015, at the Royal Opera House, conducted by Plácido Domingo.

Toe tapping: The UCT Brass Quintet play Klopse variations.

After the interval the "big voices" made way for the big sounds of organ and jazz, rounded off by the UCT Big Band presenting "a bit of a lucky dip" in a race to finish their set before the planned load shedding.

Fortunately, there was no such intrusion.

Rhythm and hues: The UCT Big Band with Assoc Prof Mike Campbell.

Story by Helen Swingler. Photos by Michael Hammond.