In remembrance: Sidwill Hartman

Dear colleagues and students

It is with immense sadness that we inform you of the unexpected passing of Professor Sidwill Hartman (63) on the afternoon of Tuesday, 7 May 2019.

At the time of his passing Professor Hartman was acting head of Vocal Studies within the South African College of Music. He was an internationally acclaimed opera singer from whose knowledge and experience his students benefited enormously. Colleagues remember how they could always hear when Professor Hartman was in the building because of his good vocal projection and his well-trained tenor voice whenever he proposed interventions in meetings.

Professor Hartman always had a love for music and his talent did not go unnoticed. At the age of 17 he was introduced to the Eoan Group and later joined the Cape Performing Arts Board (CAPAB) Chorus in 1980. Three years later, after graduating from the UCT Opera School, he was appointed soloist with the CAPAB Opera and thereafter became the first South African to receive a full scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music in New York.

In 1992 Professor Hartman launched his international career when he sang the role of Don José in Carmen with the Nantes Opera in France. He performed around the world and received numerous awards, including the Nederburg Opera Prize for his rendition of Cavaradossi in Tosca and Radames in Aida. The latter role also won him the FNB Vita Award. Additionally, he twice won the Singer of the Year award from the Friends of Opera in Cape Town.

Professor Hartman is survived by his partner, Martin, and two sisters, Astrid and Jennifer.

There will be a memorial service at the Baxter Concert Hall on Saturday, 25 May 2019 at 11:00.

The university has reached out to offer support to the Hartman family. UCT also has support available for students (through the Student Wellness Service) and staff (through the Human Resources Department) affected by this sad news.

Sincerely

The UCT Executive

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